Human Diet and Sustainability: Food Security, Strategies, and Trends

What does it mean that humans are omnivores?

Humans eat both plants and animals.

Why are crops more efficient than livestock in food production?

Crops yield more food per unit of land area and are lower in cost.

At what trophic levels is food harvested in agricultural systems?

Food is harvested at low trophic levels, specifically primary producers and primary consumers.

Why are plant-based farming systems considered more sustainable?

They can potentially support more people compared to animal-based systems.

What color represents unsustainable countries in the diet trend chart?

Orange represents countries that are unsustainable.

What nutrients are abundant in meat, poultry, and fish?

Proteins, vitamin B, iron, and zinc.

What is a challenge of a vegetarian diet?

It can be harder to consume enough protein.

What are some global strategies to achieve a sustainable food supply?

Reduce demand, reduce food waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase intensification.

What is the expected impact of changing consumer behavior on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050?

It could result in a reduction of emissions by 40-70%.

What are plant-based meat substitutes made from?

They are made from plants such as wheat, lentils, soybeans, tofu, nuts, fungi, and microbial protein.

What is volatilization in the context of nitrogen loss?

It is the loss of nitrogen into the atmosphere as NH3.

How does rice production contribute to greenhouse gas emissions?

Rice production releases CH4, contributing about 1.5% of total emissions.

What gene has been added to rice to reduce methane emissions?

Barley SUSIBA2.

What percentage of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions comes from livestock?

Livestock accounts for 14.5% of emissions.

What is the role of antioxidants and biopreservatives in food?

They help extend the food's shelf life naturally.

What does food security mean?

It is the physical and economic availability of food for individuals to maintain a balanced diet.

What does the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) assess?

It assesses the affordability, availability, and quality of food across countries.

What is the significance of 'use by' dates on food labels?

'Use by' dates indicate safety; food should not be consumed after this date.

What is the impact of food waste on greenhouse gas emissions?

Decomposition of food waste releases high emissions of CH4.

What is a common strategy to reduce methane emissions from cattle?

Supplementing cows with additives to reduce methane production.

What are the implications of a longer shelf life for food?

It can reduce food waste and improve food security.

What is the challenge with the demand for livestock?

Despite the reduction of livestock, demand is likely to stay high, keeping emissions high.

How does the absorption of nutrients differ between animal and plant sources?

Absorption of certain materials, like iron and zinc, happens better from animal sources.