BIOL 3009: Agriculture and Food Review

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Questions and Answers

What is a major environmental impact of the extensive use of fertilizers in agriculture?

Increased biodiversity in ecosystems

Reduction in soil erosion

Improved crop resilience

Alteration of ecosystems (correct)

Which substance is commonly used in agricultural practices that can affect the environment?

Herbicides (correct)

Sunlight

Water

Soil

How do pesticides impact ecosystems in agriculture?

By enhancing pollination processes

By contributing to soil fertility

By promoting plant growth

By altering populations of non-target organisms (correct)

What is a consequence of the widespread application of herbicides in agro-ecosystems?

Disruption of native plant communities Signup and view all the answers

In terms of environmental sustainability, what is a critical issue with the use of fertilizers?

They can lead to nutrient runoff into waterways Signup and view all the answers

What is the average daily caloric requirement for adult females?

2000 calories Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of daily calories should come from fats in a balanced diet?

10% Signup and view all the answers

If a male consumes 2750 calories in a day, how many calories should ideally come from carbohydrates?

1800 calories Signup and view all the answers

What does food insecurity primarily entail?

Hunger and malnutrition Signup and view all the answers

What are some consequences of food insecurity?

Social and economic disruption Signup and view all the answers

Which macronutrient should constitute the largest portion of daily caloric intake?

Carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

For an individual following a balanced diet, what is the maximum caloric percentage from proteins?

30% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a direct effect of food insecurity?

Widespread hunger Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is considered a primary driver of food insecurity?

Malnutrition Signup and view all the answers

In what ways can food insecurity manifest within a community?

Increased rates of illness and societal tension Signup and view all the answers

What is the main takeaway regarding grain production and hunger?

Higher grain production does not necessarily correlate with lower hunger levels. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the amount of grain available per person despite doubled production?

It remained the same or did not increase. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the situation described in the content?

There can be a disconnect between production levels and hunger reduction. Signup and view all the answers

Why might increasing grain production not alleviate hunger?

Because distribution issues remain unaddressed. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn about grain production trends and their impact on hunger?

Even when grain production increases, hunger levels can persist if access is limited. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic symptom of Kwashiorkor?

Bloated bellies Signup and view all the answers

Which condition results from a deficiency in essential nutrients?

Kwashiorkor Signup and view all the answers

What is a common appearance of hair and skin in someone suffering from Kwashiorkor?

Discolored Signup and view all the answers

Which type of malnutrition leads to disease from protein deficiency?

Kwashiorkor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines undernutrition?

Deficiency in essential nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate number of people suffering from deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, or proteins globally?

3 billion Signup and view all the answers

Which deficiency is specifically mentioned as causing goiter?

Iodine deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main challenges in addressing global hunger?

Political instability Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT associated with malnutrition as described?

Excess body fat Signup and view all the answers

How many types of deficiencies are highlighted in the malnutrition statistics?

Three Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 12: Agriculture and Food

Lecture delivered by Dr. Mansoor Hamed AlJahdhami
Email address provided for contact
Course: BIOL 3009: Introduction to Environmental Science

Review Question

A section of the globe featuring nations with the highest birthrates was highlighted.

Reading Materials

The lecture discussed various chapters in the provided textbook.
The relevant pages for these chapters are 154-162.
The book title is Principles of Environmental Science
The seventh edition of the book is being referenced.

Learning Outcomes

Students will define food security
Nutrition-related terms will be differentiated
The relationship between food production, supply, and their impacts on the environment and humans will be acknowledged.

Global Trends in Food and Nutrition

Food production historically involved small-scale, diverse operations
Modern agricultural practices are large-scale (extensive) operations
Thousands of hectares of land is cultivated
Emphasis on the use of genetically modified crops.
Substantial inputs of fuel, fertilizers, and chemicals are used.
Wide-spread application of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
Food security has economic, environmental, and social aspects
Food production has grown faster than population increase
Food insecurity and famines are widespread in various regions
Food shortages are often linked to political, social or environmental factors.
Agriculture constitutes approximately 38% of the world's total land area.

Global Trends in Food and Nutrition - Data

Table 11.1 displays land, population, and agricultural data for 2006.
A total of 38% of the world's land is used for agriculture
More than 1 million km² of land is treated with commercial fertilizers.
More than 3.4 million km² treated with chemicals to control weeds.
More than 4 million km² of land is treated with chemical insect pesticides.

Pre-Agricultural Ecosystem vs. Agroecosystem

Images illustrating pre-agricultural and agroecosystems were presented in the lecture.
The differences in these ecosystems and the resulting impact on the environment was discussed.

Food Security

Availability of sufficient, healthy food on a daily basis
Measured across economic, environmental, and social dimensions
Food security is unevenly distributed.
Fifty years ago, hunger was one of the world's most persistent problems. It has not been eliminated.
Average human population growth has been 1.7% per year over the last 50 years
Food production increased by 2.2% per year, and food availability increased in many countries to over 2200 kilocalories per person per day.

Changes in Dietary Energy and Protein Consumption

Graphs illustrating the changes in dietary consumption from 1960 to 2010.

Hunger Around the World

Maps showing the percentage of the population experiencing hunger in various parts of the world.
Hunger is a global problem that has not been eradicated yet.

Changes in Number and Rate of Malnourishment Across the World

Data illustrating global malnutrition trends from 1970 to 2010.

Food Security and Insecurity

Individuals' ability to gain sufficient and nutritious food on a daily basis.
Food insecurity can be categorized as economic, social, or environmental.

Famines

Large-scale food shortages that often lead to widespread starvation, social disruption, and economic woes.
Famines are commonly rooted in social and economic conditions

Food Security Rankings in MENA (Middle East and North Africa)

The lecture presentation shows Qatar ranked #1 in food security in MENA during 2010.
The data demonstrates the various countries’ performances in managing food production and security

Human Nutritional Requirements

Average daily calorie requirement for men (~2500 calories) and for women (~2000 calories).
Balanced nutrition with the following proportions
- Protein: 30% of total daily calorie intake
- Carbohydrates: 60% of total daily calorie intake
- Fats: less than 10% of total daily calorie intake.

Undernutrition
Malnutrition
Over-nutrition

Malnutrition

Lack of required nutritional needs.
Imbalanced diets due to lack of certain nutrients
UN-FAO statistics indicate that ~3 billion people suffer vitamin, mineral or protein deficiencies.
Dietary deficiency diseases, like Kwashiorkor and Marasmus, were discussed.

Overnutrition

Overnutrition, or overeating, is a growing global problem.
It's not only limited to richer countries
Often related to consumption of highly processed foods, animal saturated fats, sugar, and salt.
Obesity increases health risks

More Production Doesn't Necessarily Reduce Hunger

Global grain production increased from 1.1 billion tons in 1970 to 2.0 billion tons in 2006, but per capita grain production increased slightly over time.

Questions (at the end of the lecture)

Questions were posed to engage the audience and encourage further discussion.

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Description

This quiz covers Lecture 12 of BIOL 3009: Introduction to Environmental Science, focusing on the relationship between food production, supply, and their environmental impacts. Students will explore topics like food security, nutrition, and global agricultural trends discussed in the textbook Principles of Environmental Science.