Untitled Flashcards Set

What is the main idea of The Tragedy of the Commons?

It explains how shared resources are overused and depleted when individuals act in their own self-interest.

What is clear-cutting?

The practice of cutting down all trees in an area at once.

What are three environmental impacts of clear-cutting?

Habitat loss, increased soil erosion, higher atmospheric CO₂ levels.

What is the Edge Effect?

Changes in environmental conditions at the boundary of a habitat, often caused by deforestation.

How does deforestation impact biodiversity?

It destroys habitats, reduces species populations, and increases habitat fragmentation.

What was the First Agricultural Revolution?

The transition from hunting and gathering to farming and animal domestication (~2000 BCE).

How did the Second Agricultural Revolution (1700-1900 CE) change farming?

It introduced mechanization, improved soil preparation, and led to increased food production.

What major advancements occurred in the Third Agricultural Revolution?

Mechanization, biotechnology, genetic engineering, and pesticide use.

What innovations were introduced during the First Green Revolution (1940s–1980s)?

Synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation methods, high-yield crop varieties.

What was a key development of the Second Green Revolution (1980s–present)?

The introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for higher productivity.

Give an example of a genetically modified crop and its benefit.

Golden Rice – modified with daffodil genes to increase Vitamin A content.

What is desertification?

The transformation of land into desert due to overuse, climate change, or deforestation.

What causes soil erosion?

Water, wind, and human activities such as deforestation and overgrazing.

How does salinization occur in soil?

Water evaporates from soil, leaving behind salt deposits.

What is overgrazing?

Grazing before plant roots recover, which weakens plants and reduces root growth.

What is the purpose of irrigation?

To supply controlled amounts of water to crops at needed intervals.

How does drip irrigation work?

Small tubes deliver water directly to the plant’s roots at a slow, steady rate.

What is the main drawback of flood irrigation?

It leads to water waste and soil erosion.

How does furrow irrigation distribute water?

Water flows down small channels dug along the field.

Why is spray irrigation widely used?

It allows water to be sprayed evenly over crops using sprinklers.

ditch irrigation?

It involves the use of ditches to convey water directly to the crops, minimizing evaporation and runoff.

slash and burn agriculture?

forested land is clear cut, then remaining vegetation is burned as a way of clearing up land for crops.

tillage?

The agricultural preparation of soil by mechanical agitation, such as digging, stirring, and overturning, to improve crop growth.

deforestation?

The large-scale removal of forests or trees to make way for agricultural activities or urban development, leading to habitat loss and environmental changes.