Study Guide for Quiz 1

Key Topics Tragedy of the Commons Clear-Cutting Green Revolution Irrigation Methods Environmental Impacts of Agriculture practices

Clear cutting

Cutting down all trees in a specific area simultaneously

Tragedy of the commons

Overuse or depletion of shared resources caused by individuals acting in their own self-interest.

Drip irrigation

Direct water delivery to plant roots; minimizes water loss.

Sprinkler irrigation

Mimics rainfall; effective for uneven terrains

Flood irrigation

Water flows over fields; high water loss through evaporation and runoff.

Furrow Irrigation

Water distributed through small trenches; cost-effective but less efficient.

Subsurface Irrigation

Water is applied below the soil surface; it has a high installation cost but conserves water.

Intensive Farming Leads to

soil erosion, loss of fertility, and chemical runoff causing eutrophication.

Monoculture problems

Reduces genetic diversity and makes ecosystems more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

Livestock Farming Problems

Significant methane emissions contribute to climate change.

Deforestation

Often caused by slash-and-burn agriculture, leading to habitat loss and biodiversity decline.

Norman Borlaug

Father of the Green Revolution