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Relevance of Evolution

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Agriculture

by the Understanding Evolution team

The mass production of genetically-similar foods (like the grain being harvested here, and these red onions) makes our groceries inexpensive, but leaves them vulnerable to diseases and pests. Grain combine photo courtesy of USDA, photo by Gene Alexander; Onions in grocery store photo courtesy of USDA, photo by Ken Hammond.

It would seem that with the advent of fertilizers, pesticides and biotechnology, our ability to produce crops should be limitless. What chance do insects and plant diseases stand against mighty modern agricultural technology?

But biological systems evolve. Insects and diseases evolve as new technologies are introduced. Variables change, because evolution is change over time through descent with modification. So in the fields of agriculture and economics, just as in medical science and conservation, history matters.

In this section we will explore these key questions:

  • How does evolution affect the world's food supply?
  • How can a lack of genetic variation harm crops?
  • Why is it important to understand the evolutionary history of domestic crops?
  • How do pests evolve to resist pesticides?
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Monoculture and the Irish Potato Famine: cases of missing genetic variation