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Read the following - AQA - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 5
Read the following. In the 1950s farmers in India could not grow enough rice to feed the rapidly increasing population. At the International Rice Research Institute... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the following - AQA - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe the steps the scientists would have taken to produce IR8.
Answer
The scientists followed a systematic approach to produce the IR8 variety of rice. First, they selected traditional varieties of rice plants that exhibited desirable traits, such as short stems and large grains. Next, they crossed these rice plants to create hybrids, allowing for the combination of desired characteristics. After cross-pollination, from the offspring, they chose plants that showed the best characteristics, focusing on those that had short stature and high yield potential. This selective breeding was repeated over several generations until they consistently produced the IR8 variety that met their yield and quality goals.
Step 2
Explain why.
Answer
Some people in India agree with the use of GM rice varieties due to several benefits. Firstly, GM rice can be more resistant to diseases and pests, leading to higher yields and improved food security. Additionally, they often require fewer chemical inputs, reducing costs for farmers and allowing for larger harvests. They also can be bred to have better nutritional content, improving the overall health of the population.
Conversely, others disagree with GM rice due to concerns over biodiversity. The introduction of GM crops could lead to a reduction in traditional varieties, as farmers may prefer GM seeds that perform better. There are also fears surrounding the potential for herbicide resistance to transfer to wild plants, which could disrupt local ecosystems. Moreover, the reliance on GM seeds can create economic pressures on farmers who may need to buy seeds every season, restricting their ability to save and reuse seeds from previous harvests.