Different Types of Farming
Intensive Farming
Intensive Farming- many animals kept in close spaces, warm spaces to reduce energy loss
- Given antibiotic treatment
- Growth Hormones
- Use of pesticides
- Monoculture
- Removing hedges
- Use of fertilisers (artificial)
- Herbicides
- Insecticides
Organic Farming
- No herbicides, insecticides, pesticides
- Natural fertilizer
- Space left free in the centre of fields (for nesting)
- Keep Hedges and trees
- Mixed crops
- Pastures
- Less meat
Biotechnology
Breeds are different varieties of the same species. Dogs have approximately 150 breeds but they are all the same species.
Breed= animals of the same species that vary in many characteristics (called varieties in plants).
- They
Inherit these characteristics from their parents.
However selective breeding can sometimes backfire:
English Bulldogs
- Short tailed often have backbone
deformities
- Short snouted often have
breathing difficulties
- Narrowed hips causes problems giving birth
It can take decades, even centuries, to get the right characteristics in a breed/variety by selective breeding:
- The right characteristic may involve several genes being in the right combination
- Multiple alleles of one gene can be recessive and dominant. Recessive genes can be ‘hide’ when they are heterozygous. However, there is always a chance they can become homozygous in later generations giving an unwanted phenotype.
- A much quicker way of getting desired characteristic is by using biotechnology
Genes can be inserted/modified using modern biotechnology techniques. Therefore the right characteristics can be developed within one generation. An organism that has undergone this treatment is called a genetically modified organism.
GM Crops - Pro's and Con's
In IBDP Biology, we need to know the pros and cons of GM crops
PROs
- Manufacturers claim GM crops give
higher yields and could help the developing world
- Some GM Crops can be enriched with
nutrients to help developing nations that lack nutrients in their diets
- Crops may be manipulated to grow in lower temperatures with less water and fertilisers meaning
lower cost, and less impact to the environment
- GM Crops may
reduce pesticide use according to a US study
CONs
- Transplanted genes may get out in to the natural environment creating ‘
superweeds’
- Not everyone is convinced GM crops are safe for consumption. People are worried they may develop
allergies to the food
- Cross contamination of non-GM crops could destroy the GM-free trade
- GM crops increase pesticide use as farmers spray freely
- GM crops could
affect farmland biodiversity if there are no weeds as a food source for wildlife
That's all for how GM crops are created!
Drafted by Venetia (Biology)