Q How do traditional food production practices contribute to a reduction in biodiversity?
a
Air, land, and water are used to produce food, so food that is thrown away is a waste of those original resources.
b
Livestock raised for meat are not as diverse as wild species.
c
Land that is converted to agriculture is no longer a suitable habitat for native species.
d
Agricultural crops are not a good source of food for wild or native species.
c. Land that is converted to agriculture is no longer a suitable habitat for native species. Traditional food production practices often involve clearing land for agriculture, which can lead to the destruction of natural habitats and a reduction in biodiversity. This can also lead to the displacement of native species and the introduction of non-native species, which can further disrupt the ecosystem.
The correct answer is c - "Land that is converted to agriculture is no longer a suitable habitat for native species."
Traditional food production practices often involve converting natural habitats, such as forests or grasslands, into agricultural lands. This process, known as deforestation or land clearing, results in the loss of diverse ecosystems and leads to a reduction in biodiversity. When land is converted for agriculture, it eliminates or significantly alters the natural habitats of numerous plant and animal species, pushing them out of their original homes.
As a result, native species lose their access to food sources, nesting grounds, and other resources they rely on for survival. Large expanses of monoculture crops, such as soybeans or corn, are common in traditional food production, which further reduces the availability of habitat and food for native species. These agricultural practices often rely on the use of pesticides and fertilizers, which can also harm or kill wildlife and plant species.
The reduction in biodiversity caused by traditional food production practices can have ecological consequences. It disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems, leading to a loss of ecological services such as pollination, natural pest control, and nutrient cycling. Additionally, the loss of biodiversity can negatively impact human societies by limiting access to natural resources and impacting the stability of food systems.
To understand how traditional food production practices contribute to a reduction in biodiversity, it is important to consider the ecological impacts of land conversion, monoculture farming, and the use of chemicals. By recognizing these factors, we can work towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to safeguard biodiversity.
c. Land that is converted to agriculture is no longer a suitable habitat for native species.
Traditional food production practices often involve the clearing of land for agriculture. This conversion of natural habitats into croplands results in the loss of biodiversity. Native plant and animal species that once thrived in these areas lose their homes and sometimes struggle to adapt to the new environment. Additionally, the use of pesticides and herbicides in traditional agriculture can further disrupt ecosystems, harming beneficial organisms and reducing biodiversity.