Do Now: Invasive Species

HomeworkShould have already completed: Chapter 10 Agriculture, Biotechnology and the Future of Food. Read pages 252 257For next class, Read pages 257 (starting at Seed Banks to 261 stopping at Genetically Modified Food. Project due tomorrow, ideally in class but the latest is 5:00 EST

New material Chapter 10What happens when invasive species are introduced

New material Chapter 10What are genetically modified crops? Give an example and why are they feared?

What are Biofuels?Biofuels = are derived from organic materialsReplace petroleum in enginesEthanol = a biofuel derived from corn2007 subsidies doubled productionFood prices increased Farmers sold corn for ethanol, not foodFarmers planted biofuels, not food cropsRiots erupted in many nations

Preserving crop diversityPreserving native variants protects against crop failureMonocultures are vulnerableWild relatives contain genes that can provide resistance to disease and pestsBut Mexico has lifted its ban on transgenic cornWe have lost a great deal of genetic diversity in cropsU.S. crops have decreased 90% in diversityMarket forces discourage diversity in foods appearanceFood producers prefer uniform, standardized foodNew material Chapter 10Explain the purpose of the Doomsday Seed Vault?Is it truly necessary? Explain

Seed banks are living museumsSeed banks = institutions that preserve seed types as living museums of genetic diversitySeeds are collected, stored, and periodically plantedThe doomsday seed vault in Norway stores millions of seeds from around the world

New material Chapter 10Pesticides versus BiocontrolsSea otters and their roleKudzu and Cane ToadsIPM (integrated Pest Management)

Reminder of TuesdayRemember we are meeting in the computer lab on Friday to work our the research project