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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
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The scientists chose traditional varieties of rice plants that had desirable traits, specifically those with short stems and large grains.
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They cross-pollinated these selected rice plants to create offspring that combined the best characteristics of both parent plants.
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From the offspring, they selected the plants that had the desired traits, such as short stems and larger grains.
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This breeding process was repeated several times until they successfully produced the IR8 variety, which demonstrated improved yield characteristics.
Step 2
Explain why some people in India agree and some disagree with GM varieties of rice being grown.
Answer
Many people agree with the use of genetically modified (GM) rice varieties because:
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GM rice can be resistant to diseases and pests, leading to higher yields and better food security.
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These rice plants are also resistant to herbicides, reducing competition from weeds, which helps improve food production.
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GM rice varieties can produce more grains per plant, making them more efficient and beneficial for farmers.
On the other hand, some people disagree with GM rice due to concerns such as:
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The potential for GM rice to affect traditional varieties, which may lead to reduced biodiversity if some plants die out due to hybridization.
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The use of herbicides with GM rice might kill beneficial plants, affecting ecosystem balance.
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GM seeds can be expensive for farmers, as they may need to purchase new seeds every season instead of saving seeds from their harvest.