Agrobiodiversity Module Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of ecosystem resilience?

  • It allows ecosystems to produce energy efficiently.
  • It relates to the variety of species present in an ecosystem.
  • It describes the processes of nutrient cycling.
  • It indicates the ability to restore function after stress. (correct)

    • Which statement best describes agrobiodiversity?

  • It is solely focused on modern agricultural practices.
  • It refers only to the genetic resources of plants.
  • It encompasses the variety and variability of species necessary for agroecosystem functions. (correct)
  • It only includes wild species found in nature.

    • How does higher biodiversity impact ecosystem resilience?

  • It enhances the ability of ecosystems to recover from disturbances. (correct)
  • It decreases the food production rates.
  • It reduces the variety of species in an ecosystem.
  • It often leads to increased soil erosion.

    • Why is local knowledge considered integral to agrobiodiversity?

    <p>It helps shape agricultural practices that conserve biodiversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary functions are sustained by agrobiodiversity?

    <p>Key functions essential for food production and agriculture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does agricultural biodiversity primarily encompass?

    <p>Harvested and non-harvested species, including livestock and wild resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is NOT included in the definition of conservation?

    <p>Promotion of species extinction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is genetic diversity?

    <p>Variations in DNA among individuals within a species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes species diversity?

    <p>The variety of species within a community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which level of biodiversity is described by the organization of species into communities?

    <p>Ecosystem diversity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does high genetic diversity benefit species?

    <p>It allows for adaptation to changing environments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a component of agrobiodiversity?

    <p>Wild fish species found in aquatic ecosystems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of low genetic diversity?

    <p>Increased risk of extinctions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'biological diversity' as defined by the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit?

    <p>The variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes agrobiodiversity?

    <p>A subset of biological diversity essential for food and agriculture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'biodiversity' encompass according to the definition provided?

    <p>The structural and functional variety of life forms at various biological levels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of having a high level of biodiversity?

    <p>It contributes to the resilience and stability of ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the assessment methods for agrobiodiversity?

    <p>Both continuous assessment and final exams contribute to understanding agrobiodiversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required for students in relation to attendance in this course?

    <p>85% attendance for lectures and 100% for practical sessions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best summarizes the goals of agroforestry systems?

    <p>To integrate trees into agricultural landscapes for sustainability and productivity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a focus of agroforestry as per the prescribed literature?

    <p>Management of plant genetic resources for food security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily distinguishes agrobiodiversity from wild biodiversity?

    <p>It arises from human intervention and environmental interactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does agrobiodiversity contribute to sustainable agricultural development?

    <p>It enhances the resilience of species and ecosystems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three main objectives of effective conservation and management of biodiversity in agricultural systems?

    <p>Environmental sustainability, food security, and improved livelihoods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a dimension of agrobiodiversity identified by the CBD's thematic program?

    <p>Diversity of urban vegetation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is included in the genetic resources for food and agriculture?

    <p>Microbial and fungal genetic resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do non-harvested species play in agriculture?

    <p>They support production through ecosystem services.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is essential for the human race’s survival regarding agricultural biodiversity?

    <p>Access to a diverse range of plant and animal species.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following impacts does agrobiodiversity NOT aim to address?

    <p>Monoculture farming profits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does agricultural biodiversity play in climate regulation?

    <p>It contributes to climate regulation and carbon sequestration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately defines agrobiodiversity?

    <p>The variety and variability of organisms used directly or indirectly for food and agriculture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a level of genetic diversity associated with agrobiodiversity?

    <p>Artificial diversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key benefit of maintaining genetic variation within species?

    <p>It allows development of new varieties that improve productivity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor does NOT contribute to the socio-economic dimensions of agricultural biodiversity?

    <p>Modern agricultural machinery.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following does agricultural biodiversity help regulate?

    <p>Pollination, pest and disease regulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are landraces in the context of genetic variation?

    <p>Traditional varieties adapted to local conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which abiotic factors can influence agricultural biodiversity?

    <p>Chemical and climatic factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Course Overview

    • Course Code: AgFo4066
    • Course Name: Agrobiodiversity
    • Cr Hr: 2(1+1)/3
    • Module Name: Agroforestry System and Management
    • Target Group: Agroforestry students
    • Assessment: Continuous (50%) + Final Exam (50%)
    • Grading System: Fixed Scale

    Instruction Policy

    • 85% attendance required for lectures
    • 100% attendance required for practical sessions
    • Switch off or silence mobile phones during class
    • No late arrivals beyond 5 minutes
    • Avoid side conversations
    • Ask questions about unclear terms in class

    Prescribed Literature

    • Agrobiodiversity, F.A.O., 2018. A training manual for farmer groups in East Africa.
    • Encouraging Diversity, conservation and development of plant genetic resources. - Almekinders C. and De Boef W. (2000).
    • Silvicultural basis for agroforestry systems. - Ashton, MS and Florencia, M. (2000).
    • Biodiversity and Sustainable Conservation. - Darshan K.H. (1999).
    • Biodiversity. A Biology of Numbers and Difference. - Gaston K.J. (1996).
    • Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry. - Paul E.A. (1989).
    • Ecological census techniques. - William J and Sutherland (eds) (2006).

    Biodiversity

    • Defined by the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro
    • "Biological diversity" refers to the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems.
    • Key Focus:
      • Diversity within species
      • Diversity between species
      • Diversity of ecosystems

    Agrobiodiversity

    • Subset of biological diversity crucial for food and agriculture
    • Distinctive Feature: Human element sets it apart from wild biodiversity.
    • Outcome: Interactions among genetic resources, the environment, and farmer management systems and practices.
    • Impacts: Result of both natural selection and human intervention over millennia.
    • Encompasses: Diversity of plants, animals, fish, trees, and microbes used directly or indirectly for food and agriculture.
    • Foundation: Sustainable agricultural development hinges on agrobiodiversity.
    • Benefits:
      • Gains in productivity
      • Improved sustainability
      • Enhanced rural livelihoods
      • Adaptation to changing production conditions (climate change, population growth, urbanization)

    Dimensions of Agrobiodiversity

    • CBD Thematic Program on Agrobiodiversity (CBD, 2011) identifies four dimensions:
      • Variety & Variability: Animals, plants, and microorganisms (crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries).
      • Genetic Resource Diversity: Varieties, breeds, and cultivars.
      • Non-harvested Species Diversity: Soil microorganisms, predators, pollinators.
      • Agroecosystem Diversity: Different agricultural systems.

    Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

    • Key Units:
      • Cultivated and domesticated species
      • Managed wild plants and animals
      • Wild relatives of cultivated and domesticated species
    • Categories:
      • Plant Genetic Resources: Crops, wild plants harvested and managed for food, trees on farms, pasture, and rangeland species.
      • Animal Genetic Resources: Domesticated animals, wild animals hunted for food, wild and farmed fish, and other aquatic organisms.
      • Microbial and Fungal Genetic Resources:

    Ecosystem Services Supporting Agriculture

    • Key Roles: Diverse range of organisms contribute to various scales:
      • Nutrient cycling
      • Pest and disease regulation
      • Pollination
      • Pollution and sediment regulation
      • Maintenance of hydrological cycle
      • Erosion control
      • Climate regulation and carbon sequestration

    Agroecosystems

    • Shape & Maintenance: Largely influenced by human activities and management practices.
    • Livelihood Dependency: A considerable number of people rely on agrobiodiversity for sustainable livelihoods.
    • Cultural Factors:
      • Includes traditional and local knowledge of agricultural biodiversity.
      • Cultural factors and participatory processes.
      • Tourism associated with agricultural landscapes.

    Levels of Genetic Diversity

    • Three levels of genetic diversity:
      • Agroecosystems
      • Species (inter-specific diversity)
      • Within species (intra-specific diversity)

    Genetic Variation Within Species

    • Includes:
      • Wild relatives
      • Landraces
      • Modern cultivars
      • Genetic materials in ex situ collections.
    • Benefits:
      • New varieties development for improved productivity, quality, drought tolerance, pest and disease resistance.
      • Continued evolution and adaptation to changing environments.

    Key Terms in Ecosystems

    • Ecosystem Function: Processes occurring in ecosystems, such as photosynthesis, nitrogen take-up, nutrient cycling, energy production and conservation.
    • Ecosystem Resilience: Ability to restore function after stress. Higher biodiversity generally leads to higher resilience.

    Agrobiodiversity Origins and Nature

    • Result: Interaction between the environment, genetic resources, management systems and practices used by culturally diverse peoples.

    • Key Function: Encompasses the variety and variability of animals, plants, and microorganisms essential for sustaining agroecosystems.

    • Integration: Local knowledge and culture considered integral parts of agrobiodiversity (human activity of agriculture shapes and conserves this biodiversity).

    • Evolution of Agrobiodiversity:

      • Ancient practices of humans domesticating and cultivating plants and animals.
      • Encompasses variety and variability of animals, plants, and micro-organisms used directly or indirectly for food and agriculture.
      • Shaped by humans through cultivation, breeding, and conservation.
      • Farmers developed various crops and livestock breeds over thousands of years.
      • Diversity enhances food security, promotes sustainable agriculture, and preserves cultural heritage.
      • Unlike wild biodiversity, it is intertwined with human practices and land use.

    Agrobiodiversity Significance

    • Central to overall biodiversity:
      • Foundational element of biodiversity.

    Conservation

    • Definition: Scientific study of nature and earth's biodiversity aimed at protecting species, habitats, and ecosystems from excessive rates of extinction and erosion of biotic interactions.
    • Key Areas:
      • Management
      • Preservation
      • Maintenance
      • Sustainable utilization
      • Restoration
      • Enhancement of natural environment.

    Divisions of Biodiversity

    • Three Levels:
      • Genetic Level: Variability within a species (genetic diversity).
      • Species Level: Variety of species within a community (species diversity).
      • Ecosystem Level: Organization of species in an area into distinctive plant and animal communities (ecosystem diversity).

    Genetic Diversity

    • Differences: Variations in DNA among individuals.
    • Variation Sources:
      • Chromosomal/sequence mutation
      • Physical or behavioral isolation of populations (speciation).
    • Adaptation Benefits: Allows individuals to adapt to different conditions.
    • Survival Advantages: High genetic diversity increases the ability of populations and species to survive major changes in their environment.

    Summary

    • Agrobiodiversity is a vital component of global biodiversity, playing a crucial role in food security and sustainable agriculture.
    • Understanding the different dimensions and key elements of agrobiodiversity is essential for its conservation and management.
    • By integrating local knowledge and cultural practices, we can ensure the preservation of this valuable resource for future generations.

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    Related Documents

    Agrobiodiversity Chapter 1 PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the key concepts and literature related to the Agrobiodiversity course, specifically focusing on Agroforestry Systems and Management. Students will be assessed on their understanding of the prescribed readings and course policies. Prepare to enhance your knowledge on biodiversity and sustainable practices.

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