Assignment: Monculture
Considering the card simulation and your own research, answer the following questions:
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Explain in detail why the diverse forest in Simulation 2 was more resistant to disease?
(hint - think about how the genetic makeup of different trees protect a species)
These simulations were about trees. In your own words (and based on your own
research) describe what you think the importance of biodiversity would be in animals?
In which of the two simulations would you need to use more chemicals to control
disease: the Douglas fir monoculture forest or the more diversified, old growth forest?
Explain why.
In which forest would expect to have more diversity of wildlife? Explain why.
If you cut down the variety in a section of forest and replanted with 1 type of tree, what is
the possible effect on the wildlife that was adapted to that forest? (Hint: they cannot just
move elsewhere. If other habitats are good, they will probably be inhabited already.)
Growing one plant, as is the case of growing only Douglas fir, is called monoculture.
Give an example of monoculture in farms.
Why would you need to use more insecticides in monoculture? Is this good or bad?
Explain.
Assume that you're responsible for replanting a clear-cut or fire damaged section of
forest. Would you recommend a monoculture of fast growing trees that help put wildlife
back into the area quickly? Or more slow growing trees that increases the time for an area
to recover? Explain your answer.
If you wanted to help wildlife locally, what would you with the landscaping of your own
home, or what could you do in your community?
If it’s typically healthier to add diversity to a group, why do we as humans often prefer
developing monocultures? (This is not just about trees! Humans grow a single variety of
everything from plants to animals. Think of the ‘pedigree’ of dogs and the whiteness of
lab rats. Why do we move toward monoculture thinking? (HINT: There is a reason!
Think about it.)