Kamsc Webquest Environmental and human health

extrapolation

the extension of data beyond the limits of the data collected based on trends in the data

low dose extrapolation

a way of testing chemicals on animal models to predict how much humans can be exposed to the certain chemical without risking cancer

animal models

animals used in laboratory work to make conclusions on human diseases

threshold dose

the dose of a specific chemical given to animals at which measureable effects are first noticed

genetically modified organisms

an organism that has undergone change in genetics

more variety, pest resistent, make farming easier

pros of GMOs (3)

decreases biodiversity, "unnatural", lack of reliable studies on them

cons of GMOs (3)

pesticides

substances used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or to animals

herbicide

A pesticide that targets plant species that compete with crops.

insecticide

pesticide that targets insects

rodenticide

pesticide that targets rodents

nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium

three elements required for plant growth

fungicide

pesticide that targets fungi

pollution, reduce number of pollinators, effects animals and their habitats

cons of pesticides (3)

increased crop production, stops bugs and fungi from getting on food, creates jobs

pros of pesticides (3)

narrow spectrum pesticides

pesticides that target specific types of bugs

Broad spectrum pesticides

pesticides that kill everything

economics of land use

how we divide and use land

economic supply of land

total value of land

more efficient and less labor intensive

pros of large scale agriculture/larger farms (2)

requires more nutrient input and less diverse

cons of large scale agriculture (2)

food miles

the distance from where a crop is grown to it's consumers

more diverse, easier to change what crops you grow, more sustainable

small scale agriculture pros (3)

more labor intensive, less efficient

small scale agriculture cons (2)

fertilizer

any material which supplies one or more of the chemical elements required for plant growth

Organic Fertilizers

fertilizers that come from plants or animals, less harmful

inorganic fertilizers

fertilizers mined or synthesized from non living materials

decreases surface water quality, contaminates ground water, soil acidification

environmental impacts of fertlizers (3)

Pesticide resistance

when the species starts to develop resistence to to the pesticide or chemical, making the pesticide no longer effective

biological magnification

the increasing concentration of toxic substances within each successive link in the food chain

sustainable agriculture

a type of agriculture that focuses on producing enough crops for humans while having a minimal effect on the environment

biocontrol, companion planting, plant incorporated protectants, soaps and plant oils, polyculture

pestiside alternatives (5)

integrated pest management

five step cycle that focuses on the long term prevention of pests or their damage

mulching, ground cover, soil management, power washing, livestock

herbicide alternatives (5)