What are the dangers associated with pesticide use? How can biocontrol and use of crops with high genetic diversity be used to decrease the amount of pesticides used?
What will be an ideal response?
Pesticides are toxins that are general biocides that kill many non-target useful species, such as pollinators and predators, and also can harm humans. Pesticide use has increased to lower crop loss due to pests and increase yield. Increased use results in resistance developing in pest populations. When this occurs, the type of pesticide used has to be altered so that pests can be controlled. Increasing the toxicity of pesticides is often the solution. Biological control can decrease pest density by introducing enemies of the pests to the field. This decreases pest numbers without chemicals. Increasing the genetic diversity of the crop can also decrease pest numbers because pests may not be able to consume all genetic varieties in the crop. Different species also "host" predators of pests and balance nutrient use. This will result in higher yields through healthier plants and reduction of pest populations.
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Gold is not now being extracted from seawater. What is the primary reason for it not being extracted?
A. There is no gold in seawater. B. It would be too disruptive to marine life to develop any marine mineral resources. C. We don't know how to extract minerals from seawater. D. It would be too costly and difficult to separate the small amount of gold from the very large amounts of halite and other minerals.
Which of the following is most porous?
a. sand b. soil c. gravel d. silt e. clay
All radioactive wastes ________
A) must be disposed of at Yucca Mountain in Nevada B) release gamma radiation C) contain atoms that decay D) are difficult to handle and store safely
Features that grow up from a cavern floor are known as ____
a. uvalas b. swallow holes c. stalactites d. stalagmites