The Green Revolution - AP Environmental Science

  1. Identify a health issue associated with the Green Revolution.
    Pesticide exposure. Chemical use led to poisoning and chronic health problems.
  2. Name a key component of the Green Revolution's agricultural package.
    Chemical fertilizers. Synthetic nutrients essential for supporting high-yield crop varieties.
  3. What is the Green Revolution?
    A period of agricultural transformation with increased crop yields. Began in the 1940s-60s using improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation.
  4. What infrastructure development accompanied the Green Revolution?
    Expansion of irrigation networks. Canals, pumps, and dams built to support water-intensive agriculture.
  5. What is a long-term environmental concern of the Green Revolution?
    Water table depletion. Intensive irrigation led to groundwater overuse and aquifer depletion.
  6. Which region's agriculture was transformed by the Green Revolution's rice varieties?
    Southeast Asia. IR8 rice and other varieties revolutionized food production in the region.
  7. What environmental issue is exacerbated by the Green Revolution?
    Soil degradation. Heavy chemical use damaged soil structure and fertility over time.
  8. Which irrigation technique was popularized during the Green Revolution?
    Drip irrigation. Efficient water delivery system reduced waste and increased yields.
  9. What policy change supported the Green Revolution in Mexico?
    Government investment in agriculture. Public funding supported research, infrastructure, and farmer training programs.
  10. What is one criticism of the Green Revolution related to biodiversity?
    Loss of crop genetic diversity. Monocultures replaced traditional diverse farming systems.
  11. Which term describes the use of machines for farming during the Green Revolution?
    Mechanization. Machines replaced manual labor, increasing efficiency and scale.
  12. Identify one positive outcome of the Green Revolution.
    Reduction in hunger. Dramatically increased food availability in developing countries.
  13. What is a major input required for Green Revolution crops?
    Water for irrigation. High-yield varieties required consistent water supply for optimal growth.
  14. Which region was first to benefit from the Green Revolution?
    Mexico. Borlaug's wheat research began in Mexico in the 1940s.
  15. What was a primary focus in breeding programs during the Green Revolution?
    Yield improvement. Scientists developed varieties that produced more grain per plant.
  16. What is one limitation of the Green Revolution's agricultural practices?
    Dependency on chemical inputs. Farmers became reliant on expensive external inputs for production.
  17. What is one technology that facilitated the Green Revolution?
    High-yield variety seeds. Genetically improved seeds produced much higher yields than traditional varieties.
  18. What type of farming became more prevalent due to the Green Revolution?
    Intensive farming. High-input, high-output systems replaced traditional extensive methods.
  19. Identify a technological advancement that supported the Green Revolution.
    Improved irrigation systems. Better water management enabled cultivation in previously unsuitable areas.
  20. Which agricultural practice was reduced as a result of the Green Revolution?
    Crop rotation. Focus shifted to continuous monoculture for maximum yields.
  21. What is one adaptation made by farmers due to the Green Revolution?
    Adoption of chemical pesticides. Farmers switched to chemical pest control methods for protection.
  22. What was the primary crop involved in the Green Revolution?
    Wheat. Borlaug's dwarf wheat varieties dramatically increased yields in Mexico.
  23. Name one environmental concern associated with the Green Revolution.
    Increased pesticide use. Chemicals caused water pollution, soil contamination, and health risks.
  24. Which nutrient is primarily added to soil during the Green Revolution?
    Nitrogen. Essential macronutrient for plant growth and protein synthesis.
  25. Name an unintended consequence of the Green Revolution's emphasis on monoculture.
    Increased vulnerability to pests. Genetic uniformity made crops more susceptible to disease outbreaks.
  26. What was a driving factor behind the Green Revolution?
    Food security concerns. Growing populations needed increased food production to prevent famine.
  27. What is one economic consequence of the Green Revolution?
    Lower food prices. Increased supply reduced market prices for staple foods.
  28. State a key feature of high-yield variety seeds used in the Green Revolution.
    Disease resistance. Bred to withstand common plant diseases and environmental stresses.
  29. Which high-yield variety was developed for wheat?
    Dwarf wheat varieties. Short-stemmed varieties that resisted lodging and produced higher yields.
  30. What is a social impact of the Green Revolution on small farmers?
    Displacement due to mechanization. Machines reduced need for manual labor, affecting employment.
  31. Which type of crop is often associated with the Green Revolution's success in Asia?
    Rice. IR8 and other high-yield rice varieties transformed Asian agriculture.
  32. What is an economic benefit of the Green Revolution?
    Increased agricultural exports. Surplus production allowed countries to sell crops internationally.
  33. Who is known as the father of the Green Revolution?
    Norman Borlaug. Won the Nobel Peace Prize for developing high-yield wheat varieties.
  34. Which country experienced a significant impact from the Green Revolution in South Asia?
    India. Transformed from food importer to major agricultural exporter.
  35. Identify one negative social impact of the Green Revolution.
    Increased income inequality. Wealthy farmers benefited more than small-scale farmers.
  36. Identify one major goal of the Green Revolution.
    Increase food production. Aimed to combat world hunger through agricultural modernization.
  37. State one impact of the Green Revolution on rural communities.
    Increased rural income. Higher crop yields led to greater profits for farmers.
  38. What agricultural technique was emphasized during the Green Revolution?
    Use of synthetic fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers provided essential nutrients for high-yield crops.
  39. Identify an agricultural challenge that followed the Green Revolution.
    Sustainability of practices. Long-term viability questioned due to environmental and economic costs.
  40. Which international organization supported the Green Revolution?
    The Rockefeller Foundation. Funded agricultural research and development programs worldwide.

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