CHAPTER 14

A pesticide that kills a variety of organisms, including beneficial organisms, in addition to the target pest.

Natural or human-induced reduction in the potential ability of the land to support crops or livestock.

An expansion in a region’s or country’s economy, viewed by many as the best way to raise the standard of living.

The condition in which people live with chronic hunger and malnutrition.

An inherited characteristic that decreases the effect of a given agent (such as a pesticide) on an organism (such as a pest).

Any plant or animal material that may be used in breeding.

The breakup of large areas of habitat into small, isolated patches.

Modern agricultural methods that require large capital inputs and less land and labor than traditional methods.

A type of malnutrition in which an overconsumption of calories leaves the body susceptible to disease.

A toxic chemical used to kill pests.

Traditional agricultural methods that are dependent on labor and a large amount of land to produce enough food to feed oneself and one’s family.

Agricultural methods that maintain soil productivity and a healthy ecological balance while having minimal long-term impacts.

A type of malnutrition in which underconsumption of calories or nutrients leaves the body weakened and susceptible to disease.

The manipulation of genes (for example, taking a specific gene from one species and placing it into an unrelated species) to produce a particular trait.