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The Green Revolution, also known as the Third Agricultural Revolution, primarily spanned from the early 20th century until the late 1980s.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Green Revolution, recognized as the Third Agricultural Revolution, indeed saw its primary period of transformation and global spread from the early 20th century through the late 1980s.
The Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation were instrumental in the early development and funding of the Green Revolution, particularly in Mexico.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, the Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation played pivotal roles in financing and guiding the initial phases of the Green Revolution, with significant early efforts concentrated in Mexico.
Norman Borlaug, often called the 'Father of the Green Revolution,' is credited with saving over two billion people from starvation.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Norman Borlaug's contributions were monumental, the widely cited estimate for the number of lives saved from starvation due to his work is over one billion, not two billion.
The term 'Green Revolution' was first coined by Norman Borlaug in 1970.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. The term 'Green Revolution' was first coined by William S. Gaud, then administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in a speech delivered on March 8, 1968.
William S. Gaud differentiated the Green Revolution from a 'Red Revolution' by emphasizing its focus on agricultural advancement.
Answer: True
Explanation: William S. Gaud distinguished the Green Revolution from violent political upheavals ('Red Revolution') by highlighting its primary focus on agricultural progress and transformation.
Henry A. Wallace persuaded the Rockefeller Foundation to fund agricultural research in Mexico after being impressed by its high corn yields.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Henry A. Wallace was prompted to persuade the Rockefeller Foundation to fund agricultural research in Mexico not by high corn yields, but by his concern over the country's notably low corn yields.
Yuan Longping is known as the 'father of hybrid rice' in China, significantly boosting production through hybridization.
Answer: True
Explanation: Yuan Longping is indeed recognized as the 'father of hybrid rice' in China, having made significant contributions to increasing rice production through his pioneering hybridization research.
What period did the Green Revolution primarily span?
Answer: The early 20th century until the late 1980s
Explanation: The Green Revolution, encompassing its major transformations and global spread, primarily occurred from the early 20th century through the late 1980s.
Who is widely recognized as the "Father of the Green Revolution"?
Answer: Norman Borlaug
Explanation: Norman Borlaug is universally acknowledged as the "Father of the Green Revolution" for his pioneering work in developing high-yielding crop varieties and his significant impact on global food security.
What was the estimated impact of Norman Borlaug's work on preventing starvation?
Answer: He is credited with saving over a billion people from starvation.
Explanation: Norman Borlaug's agricultural innovations are credited with averting widespread famine and saving over one billion lives globally.
Which two major foundations were instrumental in the early development and funding of the Green Revolution, especially in Mexico?
Answer: The Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation
Explanation: The Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation were key financial and organizational supporters in the early stages of the Green Revolution, particularly in Mexico.
Who first coined the term "Green Revolution"?
Answer: William S. Gaud
Explanation: The term "Green Revolution" was first introduced by William S. Gaud, the administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in 1968.
Who is recognized as the "father of hybrid rice" in China?
Answer: Yuan Longping
Explanation: Yuan Longping is widely acclaimed as the "father of hybrid rice" in China for his groundbreaking work in developing hybrid rice varieties that significantly boosted national production.
The Green Revolution introduced high-yielding varieties of cereals, extensive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improved irrigation systems as key technological components.
Answer: True
Explanation: These elements—high-yielding varieties of cereals, widespread application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and enhanced irrigation—constituted the core technological package of the Green Revolution.
The fundamental strategy of the Green Revolution was to develop low-yielding crop varieties suitable for marginal lands.
Answer: False
Explanation: This assertion is incorrect. The fundamental strategy of the Green Revolution centered on the development and deployment of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of cereal grains, integrated with advanced agricultural inputs such as irrigation, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides, rather than focusing on low-yielding varieties for marginal lands.
The two main categories of technologies central to the Green Revolution were breeding technologies and soil conservation techniques.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Green Revolution primarily focused on two main categories of technologies: breeding technologies (developing high-yielding varieties) and cultivation technologies (optimizing growing conditions through irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides), rather than soil conservation techniques as a primary category.
The semi-dwarfing genes from the Japanese wheat cultivar Norin 10 were crucial for developing high-yielding wheat varieties that resisted lodging.
Answer: True
Explanation: The semi-dwarfing genes present in the Japanese wheat cultivar Norin 10 were indeed critical for breeding high-yielding wheat varieties. These genes conferred resistance to lodging, allowing the plants to withstand higher fertilizer applications without falling over.
High-yielding varieties (HYVs) generally yield better than traditional varieties even in the absence of adequate irrigation and fertilizers.
Answer: False
Explanation: High-yielding varieties (HYVs) are optimized to perform best under specific conditions. In the absence of adequate irrigation, fertilizers, and other necessary inputs, traditional varieties may often yield better results than HYVs.
Which of the following was NOT a key technological component introduced during the Green Revolution?
Answer: Development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Explanation: While the Green Revolution utilized advanced breeding techniques, the widespread development and introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as a key component occurred significantly later than the primary period of the Green Revolution.
What was the fundamental strategy employed by the Green Revolution to increase crop yields?
Answer: Developing high-yielding crop varieties coupled with modern inputs
Explanation: The core strategy of the Green Revolution involved the development and widespread adoption of high-yielding crop varieties, integrated with essential modern inputs like irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides.
What specific genetic trait, originating from a Japanese wheat cultivar named Norin 10, was crucial for developing high-yielding wheat varieties?
Answer: Semi-dwarfing genes
Explanation: The semi-dwarfing genes found in the Japanese wheat cultivar Norin 10 were instrumental in the development of high-yielding wheat varieties, as they allowed the plants to better withstand high fertilizer inputs without lodging.
How do high-yielding varieties (HYVs) generally perform compared to traditional varieties when essential inputs like irrigation and fertilizers are lacking?
Answer: Traditional varieties may yield better results.
Explanation: High-yielding varieties (HYVs) are optimized for high input conditions. When irrigation and fertilizers are insufficient, traditional varieties may prove more resilient and yield better results.
Mexico is considered the 'birthplace' of the Green Revolution due to its extensive research in hybridizing corn and wheat for arid climates.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mexico is widely recognized as the origin point of the Green Revolution, largely due to the foundational research conducted there on hybridizing corn and wheat varieties suitable for its arid conditions.
The Mexican government's primary objective in adopting Green Revolution technologies was to increase reliance on imported food.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary objective of the Mexican government in adopting Green Revolution technologies was to achieve food self-sufficiency and meet the demands of its growing population, not to increase reliance on imports.
Access to credit and government-supported infrastructure were crucial for the success of large-scale agricultural enterprises during Mexico's Green Revolution.
Answer: True
Explanation: The successful implementation of Green Revolution technologies for large-scale agricultural operations in Mexico was indeed contingent upon factors such as access to credit, machinery, and government-backed infrastructure.
Mexico transformed from a food importer to an exporter within twenty years due to Green Revolution advancements, with corn production tripling and wheat production increasing fivefold.
Answer: True
Explanation: The adoption of Green Revolution technologies led to a dramatic increase in agricultural output in Mexico, transforming it from a food importer to an exporter. Corn production tripled and wheat production increased fivefold within approximately two decades.
The IR8 rice cultivar, known as 'Miracle Rice,' was developed in India and required minimal fertilizer.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. The IR8 rice cultivar, known as 'Miracle Rice,' was developed at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, not India. Furthermore, it required significant amounts of fertilizer and pesticides to achieve its high yields.
Norman Borlaug was invited to India to help improve rice production, and Gujarat was chosen as the initial site.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Norman Borlaug was invited to India to improve wheat production, not rice. Moreover, Punjab, not Gujarat, was chosen as the initial site for these initiatives due to its favorable agricultural conditions.
India's rice yields increased significantly after adopting IR8 rice, making it a major global exporter.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the adoption of high-yielding rice varieties like IR8, India experienced substantial increases in rice yields, contributing to its emergence as a major global rice producer and exporter.
China's agricultural development approach emphasized peasant knowledge and feedback, differing from Western models that solely relied on industrial inputs.
Answer: True
Explanation: China's agricultural development strategy incorporated elements such as peasant knowledge and feedback, distinguishing it from some Western models that were more heavily dependent on industrial inputs and technology transfer.
Brazil's Cerrado region was transformed for agriculture by reducing soil acidity, enabling it to become a major soybean exporter.
Answer: True
Explanation: Through extensive application of lime to neutralize soil acidity, Brazil's Cerrado region was transformed into a highly productive agricultural area, establishing Brazil as a leading global exporter of soybeans.
Challenges hindering Green Revolution initiatives in Africa include strong government commitment and abundant infrastructure.
Answer: False
Explanation: Conversely, significant challenges hindering Green Revolution initiatives in Africa typically include a lack of strong government commitment, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, and other socioeconomic factors, rather than their abundance.
The 'New Rice for Africa' (NERICA) initiative has achieved widespread success across West Africa, significantly increasing rice cultivation.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the 'New Rice for Africa' (NERICA) initiative aimed to improve rice cultivation in West Africa, its success has been limited, with widespread adoption and significant increases in cultivation only achieved in specific regions like Guinea, and even there, representing a relatively small portion of total rice production.
Malawi's 'Agricultural Input Subsidy Program' initially led to food self-sufficiency but saw significant drops in production in subsequent years.
Answer: True
Explanation: Malawi's 'Agricultural Input Subsidy Program,' implemented in 2005, did initially result in food self-sufficiency due to record corn harvests. However, subsequent years experienced significant declines in production.
Why is Mexico considered the "birthplace" of the Green Revolution?
Answer: It was the site of extensive agricultural research, particularly in hybridizing corn and wheat for arid climates.
Explanation: Mexico is recognized as the "birthplace" of the Green Revolution due to the significant agricultural research conducted there, especially in developing hybrid corn and wheat varieties adapted to arid conditions.
What was the primary goal of the Mexican government in adopting Green Revolution technologies?
Answer: To achieve food self-sufficiency and feed its growing population.
Explanation: The Mexican government's principal objective in adopting Green Revolution technologies was to enhance agricultural productivity to ensure food self-sufficiency and adequately supply its expanding population.
Which of the following was a significant outcome for Mexico after implementing Green Revolution technologies?
Answer: Corn production tripled and wheat production increased fivefold, leading to export status.
Explanation: Following the implementation of Green Revolution technologies, Mexico achieved remarkable increases in corn and wheat production, transforming it into a food-exporting nation.
The IR8 rice cultivar, nicknamed 'Miracle Rice,' was developed at which research institute?
Answer: The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines
Explanation: The high-yielding IR8 rice cultivar, known as 'Miracle Rice,' was developed at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), located in the Philippines.
What issue later emerged with the Philippine government's "Masagana 99" program?
Answer: The credit scheme became inaccessible to poor farmers by 1980, leading to debt.
Explanation: The "Masagana 99" program in the Philippines faced issues where its credit component became inaccessible to many poorer farmers by 1980, resulting in significant debt burdens.
Why was Punjab chosen as the initial site for the Green Revolution program in India?
Answer: It had a reliable water supply, fertile plains, and a history of agricultural success.
Explanation: Punjab was selected as the initial site for the Green Revolution program in India due to its favorable conditions, including a dependable water supply, fertile land, and a strong agricultural tradition, which facilitated the implementation of new technologies.
How did China's approach to agricultural development differ from Western models?
Answer: China emphasized peasant knowledge and feedback, alongside nature-based pest control.
Explanation: China's agricultural development strategy integrated peasant knowledge and feedback, along with nature-based pest control methods, differentiating it from some Western models that relied more heavily on industrial inputs and external technology.
How was Brazil's Cerrado region transformed for agricultural use?
Answer: By applying vast quantities of lime to reduce soil acidity.
Explanation: The transformation of Brazil's Cerrado region for agriculture was achieved primarily through the extensive application of lime to counteract the soil's natural acidity, making it suitable for cultivation.
Which of the following has been a significant challenge hindering Green Revolution initiatives in Africa?
Answer: Widespread corruption and lack of infrastructure
Explanation: Green Revolution initiatives in Africa have frequently been impeded by significant challenges, including widespread corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient government support.
What is the "New Rice for Africa" (NERICA) initiative?
Answer: An initiative focused on developing high-yielding rice varieties for West Africa.
Explanation: The "New Rice for Africa" (NERICA) initiative is a program designed to develop and promote high-yielding rice varieties specifically suited for cultivation in West Africa.
What was the initial outcome of Malawi's "Agricultural Input Subsidy Program" initiated in 2005?
Answer: The country achieved food self-sufficiency with its largest corn harvest.
Explanation: In its initial phase, Malawi's "Agricultural Input Subsidy Program" led to record corn harvests and achieved food self-sufficiency for the country.
Studies indicate the Green Revolution contributed to the eradication of poverty, averted hunger, raised incomes, and reduced infant mortality rates in developing regions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Research findings suggest that the Green Revolution played a significant role in alleviating poverty, preventing widespread hunger, increasing economic prosperity, and lowering infant mortality rates in many developing regions.
Between 1961 and 1985, the Green Revolution led to a tripling of cereal production in developing nations.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. While the Green Revolution significantly increased cereal production, the documented increase in developing nations between 1961 and 1985 was approximately a doubling, not a tripling.
Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer is estimated to support nearly half of the world's current population.
Answer: True
Explanation: The development and widespread application of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer have been critical in increasing global food production, with estimates suggesting it supports nearly half of the world's population.
A 2021 study estimated that a ten-year delay in the Green Revolution's implementation could have increased GDP per capita in developing countries by 17%.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. The 2021 study estimated that a ten-year delay in the Green Revolution's implementation would have led to a *reduction* of 17% in GDP per capita in developing countries, not an increase.
Studies show the Green Revolution significantly increased infant mortality rates in developing countries.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. Studies have demonstrated that the Green Revolution contributed to a significant *reduction* in infant mortality rates in developing countries, rather than an increase.
According to studies mentioned in the source, what was a broad positive impact of the Green Revolution on poverty and hunger?
Answer: It contributed to the eradication of poverty and averted hunger for millions.
Explanation: Studies indicate that the Green Revolution had a significant positive impact, contributing to the reduction of poverty and the prevention of widespread hunger in many developing regions.
According to a 2021 study, what was the estimated impact of a ten-year delay in the Green Revolution's implementation on GDP per capita in the developing world?
Answer: It could have halved GDP per capita.
Explanation: A 2021 study estimated that a ten-year delay in the Green Revolution's implementation could have resulted in a reduction of GDP per capita by 17%, and its absence could have halved GDP per capita in the developing world.
What positive health impact has the Green Revolution demonstrably had on infant mortality rates in developing nations?
Answer: It led to a significant reduction in infant mortality rates.
Explanation: The Green Revolution demonstrably contributed to a significant reduction in infant mortality rates in developing countries, as indicated by various studies.
China's extensive groundwater use for irrigation has led to aquifer depletion.
Answer: True
Explanation: The intensive agricultural practices in China, including extensive groundwater extraction for irrigation, have resulted in significant aquifer depletion in various regions.
The energy input required for crop production has increased at a slower rate than crop output due to Green Revolution techniques.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. While crop output increased, the energy input required for production rose at a faster rate, leading to a decline in the energy efficiency ratio (output per unit of energy input) over time.
Modern agricultural practices, including those of the Green Revolution, are heavily reliant on fossil fuels for fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery.
Answer: True
Explanation: The intensive agricultural methods characteristic of the Green Revolution are indeed heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which are essential for the production of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and the operation of agricultural machinery.
The Malthusian criticism argues that the Green Revolution is unsustainable because it leads to decreased population growth.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. The Malthusian criticism argues that the Green Revolution is unsustainable because it enables rapid population growth, potentially exceeding the Earth's carrying capacity, rather than leading to decreased population growth.
Paul R. Ehrlich accurately predicted widespread famine in India by 1980 in his book 'The Population Bomb.'
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. While Paul R. Ehrlich did predict widespread famine in India by 1980 in 'The Population Bomb,' his prediction proved inaccurate. India achieved cereal self-sufficiency in 1974, partly due to the adoption of Green Revolution technologies.
A criticism of Green Revolution crops is that their focus on high yields sometimes compromised nutritional quality, leading to deficiencies.
Answer: True
Explanation: A notable criticism is that the emphasis on maximizing yields in Green Revolution crops sometimes led to a reduction in nutritional quality, potentially resulting in deficiencies in essential nutrients and amino acids.
The widespread use of pesticides in Philippine rice paddies during the Green Revolution eliminated fish and vegetables, which were important nutritional sources for farmers.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the Philippines, the intensive application of pesticides in rice cultivation during the Green Revolution led to the eradication of fish and edible green vegetables that were traditionally part of the farmers' diet, diminishing important nutritional sources.
Geographer Carl O. Sauer criticized the Green Revolution for promoting crop diversity and respecting native economies.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is false. Carl O. Sauer criticized the Green Revolution not for promoting crop diversity, but for its push towards standardization of a few commercial crop types, which he warned could disrupt Mexico's native economy and culture. He advocated for approaches that built upon existing native economies.
Agriculture associated with the Green Revolution has substantially increased emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O).
Answer: True
Explanation: Agricultural practices linked to the Green Revolution have been shown to significantly increase emissions of greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O), the latter often stemming from nitrogen fertilizer use.
The IPCC reported that Green Revolution technologies led to excessive agrochemical use, biodiversity loss, and reduced crop diversity.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is true. The IPCC has reported that the intensive agricultural practices and technologies employed during the Green Revolution led to consequences such as excessive agrochemical use, significant biodiversity loss, and a narrowing of crop diversity.
What environmental concern has arisen in China due to its agricultural practices, such as extensive groundwater use and fertilizer application?
Answer: Aquifer depletion
Explanation: Extensive groundwater utilization for irrigation in China's agricultural sector has led to significant aquifer depletion, posing an environmental challenge.
What is a major criticism regarding the nutritional quality of crops developed through the Green Revolution?
Answer: The focus on yield often led to lower quality proteins and nutrient deficiencies.
Explanation: A significant criticism is that the emphasis on maximizing yields in Green Revolution crops sometimes resulted in compromised nutritional quality, including lower levels of essential amino acids and other nutrients.
What negative impact did the widespread use of pesticides have on the ecosystems and traditional food sources in Philippine rice paddies?
Answer: It led to the poisoning and elimination of fish and weedy green vegetables, vital food sources.
Explanation: The extensive use of pesticides in Philippine rice paddies during the Green Revolution resulted in the elimination of fish and edible green vegetables, which were important traditional food sources for local farmers.
What criticism did geographer Carl O. Sauer voice against the Green Revolution's approach?
Answer: He warned that its push for standardization could disrupt Mexico's native economy and culture.
Explanation: Geographer Carl O. Sauer criticized the Green Revolution's emphasis on standardization, warning that it could negatively disrupt Mexico's native economy and culture, advocating instead for approaches that respected existing native economies.
Which greenhouse gases are significantly increased by agriculture associated with the Green Revolution?
Answer: Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
Explanation: Agricultural activities linked to the Green Revolution have contributed to increased emissions of key greenhouse gases, namely carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O).
According to the IPCC report, what were some consequences of intensive agriculture and Green Revolution technologies?
Answer: Soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and reduced crop diversity
Explanation: The IPCC has reported that intensive agriculture and Green Revolution technologies led to negative consequences such as soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and a reduction in the diversity of crops cultivated.
What potential adverse health effects are associated with the increased use of pesticides and agrochemicals during the Green Revolution?
Answer: Increased likelihood of cancer and significant health issues from improper handling
Explanation: The increased application of pesticides and agrochemicals during the Green Revolution has been linked to potential adverse health effects, including an elevated risk of cancer and significant health complications arising from improper handling or exposure.
CGIAR, established in 1971, supports agricultural research and began adopting holistic methods like agroecosystem analysis in the 1980s in response to criticisms.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), founded in 1971, supports global agricultural research. In the 1980s, it began integrating more holistic approaches, such as agroecosystem analysis, in response to critiques of earlier methodologies.
The term 'Evergreen Revolution,' coined by M. S. Swaminathan, aims to add an ecological dimension to agricultural concepts, focusing on sustainable productivity.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Evergreen Revolution,' a concept proposed by M. S. Swaminathan, aims to integrate an ecological perspective into agricultural development, focusing on achieving sustained productivity while minimizing environmental harm.
What is the goal of the "Evergreen Revolution"?
Answer: To add an ecological dimension, achieving productivity without ecological harm.
Explanation: The "Evergreen Revolution" seeks to integrate ecological sustainability into agricultural development, aiming for continuous productivity improvements while minimizing environmental damage.