Impact of Pesticides and CO2 on Environment

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the impact of pesticides, particularly DDT, as well as the role of carbon dioxide in the environment and its effects on photosynthesis.

What is the significance of DDT in pesticide history?

DDT played a critical role in understanding the adverse impacts of pesticides on the environment and human health.

What is resurgence in the context of pest management?

Resurgence refers to a phenomenon where a pest population recovers and grows to a higher level after being nearly eliminated by a pesticide.

What are some negative effects of pesticide use?

Negative effects include the development of resistance in pests, resurgence, secondary pest outbreaks, and environmental contamination.

What was the concentration of crop loss to pests in the 1990s?

In the 1990s, the percentage of crop loss to pests accounted for 37%.

What is a superbug?

A superbug is an insect that can attack a wide variety of plants, spreads diseases, is resistant to many chemicals, and has high reproductive rates.

What role did Rachel Carson's book 'Silent Spring' play in environmental awareness?

'Silent Spring' highlighted the dangers of pesticides, particularly DDT, and significantly influenced how we view pesticides and their ecological impacts.

What are neonicotinoids?

Neonicotinoids are a class of pesticides that are banned in Europe but still widely used in the United States, causing environmental concerns.

How does carbon dioxide concentration relate to photosynthesis?

Higher CO2 concentration generally increases the rate of photosynthesis, known as the 'fertilization effect,' which can lead to a 44% increase in photosynthetic rate.

What is the current concentration of CO2 measured at Mauna Loa Observatory?

The current concentration of CO2 is around 420 ppm.

What natural mechanisms can control pest populations?

Natural enemies such as predators, parasites, and diseases can be used for biological pest control.

What is the significance of DDT in pesticide history?

DDT played a critical role in understanding the adverse impacts of pesticides on the environment and human health.

When was DDT banned in the United States?

DDT was banned for agricultural use in the United States in 1972 due to its environmental persistence and adverse effects.

What is resurgence in the context of pest management?

Resurgence refers to a phenomenon where a pest population recovers and grows to a higher level after being nearly eliminated by a pesticide.

What are some negative effects of pesticide use?

Negative effects include the development of resistance in pests, resurgence, secondary pest outbreaks, and environmental contamination.

What is pesticide resistance?

Pesticide resistance occurs when a pest population develops the ability to survive exposure to a pesticide that would normally kill individuals of that species.

What was the concentration of crop loss to pests in the 1990s?

In the 1990s, the percentage of crop loss to pests accounted for 37%.

What is a superbug?

A superbug is an insect that can attack a wide variety of plants, spreads diseases, is resistant to many chemicals, and has high reproductive rates.

What role did Rachel Carson's book 'Silent Spring' play in environmental awareness?

'Silent Spring' highlighted the dangers of pesticides, particularly DDT, and significantly influenced how we view pesticides and their ecological impacts.

What are neonicotinoids?

Neonicotinoids are a class of pesticides that are banned in Europe but still widely used in the United States, causing environmental concerns.

What is the primary environmental concern associated with neonicotinoids?

The primary concern with neonicotinoids is their impact on pollinator populations, particularly bees, as they can impair navigation and reproduction.

How does carbon dioxide concentration relate to photosynthesis?

Higher CO2 concentration generally increases the rate of photosynthesis, known as the 'fertilization effect,' which can lead to a 44% increase in photosynthetic rate.

What is the current concentration of CO2 measured at Mauna Loa Observatory?

The current concentration of CO2 is around 420 ppm.

What natural mechanisms can control pest populations?

Natural enemies such as predators, parasites, and diseases can be used for biological pest control.

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties.