Abstract This paper discusses the pros and cons of genetically modified (GM)foods. The paper looks at one view that considers these foods as being an environmental and health risk and the contrasting view that it is the best hope of survival for millions of people in underdeveloped regions. The paper then argues that both views have merit and that a third more accommodating view should be adopted with regard to GM foods. The paper concludes by asking for a cautious approach to the problem as it carries many 'unknowns' and may not be worth the risk.
From the Paper "We should therefore take cognizance of these warnings. They cannot simply be waived away as just alarmist speculation. It was not so long ago that DDT, an insecticide that was for many years considered to be safe, was found to affect human breast milk and was banned from public use in 1972. We should therefore heed scientists who claim that, "we aren't yet sure what kinds of effects these foods could have on humans, on similar plants, or on the environment. Until we're sure, they should be avoided."
An examination of the reasons behind the dissatisfaction of the American rural class in the 19th century, and how farmers organized to solve their problems.
1,088 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, 1999, $ 37.95
From the Paper "The late nineteenth century was a time of drastic change in the United States. The country was growing at an unprecedented rate, and the Industrial Revolution was sweeping the nation. This industrial revolution not only affected those working in the newly founded industries and those in the cities, but the revolution impacted the farmers as well. American farmers were, as a whole, dissatisfied with their state of affairs, and began an agrarian movement. The farmers' grievances were multifaceted, and generally had merit, though allegations of an organized conspiracy to thwart the farmers were unfounded. Further, the discontent of the farmers was displayed in the formation of an organized political movement, which never before existed to such a degree. "
Abstract This is a detailed and illustrated paper on using organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers on plants. Results of experiments concerning this topic are included with the paper.
From the Paper "Organic fertilizers can provide enough nutrients to plants, that is the reason why the plants can grow well. Also the organic fertilizers can change the structure of soil and create a good drainage system, and well-ventilated environment which can be a better place for microorganisms to survive. The organic fertilizers contribute a lot to the growth of plants, but they still have some disadvantages. If one adds too much organic fertilizers, the plants will die because the concentration of organic fertilizers is very high."
Abstract An argumentative paper about nature as a destructive force. The author argues that nature is a more destructive force than mankind can ever be and proves this with examples of natural disasters, population explosions and diseases. A comparison between natural destruction and human destruction.
From the Paper "A common notion between mankind is that mankind is the most destructive force in the world. Another is that man is the dominant factor on the planet. These statements are both false. In actuality, the first and foremost threat to man, to life, to this planet's existence, is nature. Man can in no way compare or interfere with nature's fury.Man verses nature is a common thread in literature, but this thread is also a battle raging on even now in which nature has been winning. Nature has been dominating this battle since the beginning of recorded history."
Abstract This paper discusses the illogical nature of the Unites States? ban on hemp. The author presents many examples of the practical uses of hemp in society and also presents reasons why hemp is wrongfully considered a dangerous plant.
From the paper:
"How many times have Americans wished there was one simple solution to so many of the major problems of today, such as deforestation and sub-standard building supplies? Industrial hemp is a possible solution to many of these problems and more, however, a problem with using hemp for these purposes is that it is currently illegal to grow hemp in the United States. If we as a country were to abolish this law, we could easily put an end to so many of today?s dilemmas. Growing of industrial hemp should be legalized in the United States."
This paper examines how the advent of agriculture stopped the evolutionary progression of our bodies and at the same time created a new means to destroy them.
1,110 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 0 sources, 2001, $ 38.95
Abstract The following paper discusses the revolutionary transition from hunting and gathering to food production. The writer details life before agriculture as well as the pros of agriculture and the Neolithic revolution.
From the paper:
?Our bodies and our minds were not designed for this modern world, nor were they designed for the world of agriculture. Besides paranoia, isolation, disease, stratification, and an increase in specialization, agriculture also caused many changes in the physical health of the individuals. Agriculture may provide a somewhat steady source of food but it also provides a limited variety of foods. In the early days of food production the types of foods grown were severely limited, this led to a sense of monotony in the diet.?
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine ancient and modern winemaking techniques. Just as the social significance of wine has remained fairly unchanged over the years, so has the way in which it is produced. The author specifically discusses the relationship that exists between modern techniques and those described by the ancient sources.
From the paper:
"This paper has shown the relationship that exists between modern winemaking techniques and those described by the ancient sources. Although modern technologies have been applied to the process, the basic techniques and methods of production remain predominantly unchanged. Through the examination of all wine production processes from the creation of a vineyard to the storage of wine, this paper has compared the similarities and differences between ancient and modern techniques."
Abstract This paper describes the effects that the brown tree snake had on the wildlife of Guam. The brown tree snake, accidentally imported to Guam shortly after World War II, appeared all over the island and ended up killing several species of the native forest birds that lived in Guam. This paper is a historical description of the development of the brown tree snake as a plague. It details the origin of the Brown Tree Snake and the terrible effects it had on the island of Guam. Moreover, this paper shows the environmental effects on the development of the Island.
From the Paper "Determining the number of animal species existing on the island of Guam prior to the arrival of humans has presented a distinct difficulty. From archeological excavations on the nearby island of Rota, scientists have determined that the original human colonists' domesticated animals extirpated many species thousands of years ago (Chiszar et al1997). World War II "subjected" Guam to naval bombardment so severe that some artillery fire leveled some forests (Chiszar et al 1997). After the war, extensive seeding of the island took place with an exotic legume (Leucaena leucocephala.) It permanently replaced native trees over vast areas (Chiszar et al 1997). The fauna of Guam seemed stable until the 1960's. At this time Wildlife authorities noticed the entire absence of birds from the southern one-third of the island. The boundary of the absence of birds seemed to be moving steadily northward. Birds were missing from the southern two-thirds of the island by the end of the 1970's (Enbring & Ramsey 1983). Thirteen years later, in 1983, all 10 forest species occurred concurrently only in 160 ha of mature forest beneath the cliff line at the northern tip of Guam, with a few species still occupying parts of the northern plateau (Savidge 1987). The early 1980's reveals many factors blamed for the decline in Guam's forest birds. Disease, pesticides, habitat loss, hunting, and introduced species evolve as the major suspect reasons. Elimination of the forest's mosquitoes that possibly harbor avian malaria or avian pox brought an influx of pesticide usage. During World War II to the-mid 1970's, the military used pesticides such as DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons to kill the mosquitoes (Enbring & Ramsy 1983). Pesticides might have caused declines in the past; therefore, it cannot be ruled out as a cause for the earlier reed-warbler extinction (Reichel et al 1992). Tests conducted in 1981 indicate low pesticide levels on Guam. Pesticides probably were not responsible for the current declines of forest birds (Reichel et al 1992). The years since 1945 have witnessed an increase in weedy species, though substantial native habitat remains in southern and northern Guam. Birds have disappeared from forests that previously supported healthy bird populations (Savidge 1987)."
Tags: biogeography, birds, brown, introduced, island, snake, Guam, species, treeWorld, War, II, forest
Abstract This paper discusses Thoreau, a rebellious lone farmer who relies on self-sufficiency. It includes excerpts from his book "The Bean Fields" and discusses them. Thoreau did all of the farming on his own and by doing so, he discovered that the Indians had been there before him. It includes economical observations and insights made by Thoreau.
From the Paper "In "The Bean Fields," Thoreau talks about the economics of farming. He says that he planted beans in his field, but that Indians used the land before him and the soil doesn't have the fertilizer and manure needed to grow the crops well any more. He had helped plowing the land, but except for that, he wanted to do all the work himself. He wanted to be self-reliant. This meant that he would not be able to fertilize the land himself."
Tags: bean, fields, Henry, D., Thoreau, farming, economics
Abstract This paper discusses the differences between hemp and marijuana, focusing on "hemp stalk" as a major product which is fiber and cellulose-rich to develop into consumer goods. The writer of this paper suggests for governmental agencies to take a look at multiple approaches from some different sides of the story on hemp, not merely work on the argument of legalization of marijuana.
From the Paper "Hemp stalk is the major product, which is fiber and cellulose-rich to develop into consumer goods. This product is different from marijuana. Thevenof says, people know hemp to be a good material for paper products since it produces pulp four times higher than tree per acre. Hemp is found to be "the strongest, easiest [fiber crop] to grow" and it easily grows in many areas. Hemp will be mature enough to harvest in 100 days, which is considered economical to replace all costs in tree growing, cutting and sawmill to supply paper factories. As it is rich in fiber, hemp would also make good source for fashion and apparel that gives strong and soft fiber comfortable to wear. Hurds hemp is also suitable for cattle feed since it has competitive biomass rate and lower operation cost to provide animal beddings, and other countries like England, France and the Netherlands have applied. Hemp is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which would be a good option as food material, or more likely to be "strategic agricultural resources" as it made more than $50 million annual sales."
