How did the Green Revolution affect biodiversity?

The Green Revolution, which took place primarily during the mid-20th century, involved the development and adoption of high-yielding varieties of crops, increased use of fertilizers, pesticides, and intensive agricultural practices. This shift aimed to significantly boost food production to meet the growing global population’s needs.

One major consequence of the Green Revolution was its impact on biodiversity. The introduction of monoculture farming—where vast areas are planted with a single crop variety—led to a reduction in the number of species cultivated agriculturally. Traditional and diverse crop strains were often replaced by a few high-yielding varieties, resulting in a loss of genetic diversity within those crops.

Moreover, the heavy reliance on chemical inputs and the uniformity of agricultural practices diminished the diversity of ecosystems. Natural habitats were frequently altered or destroyed to make way for extensive farmland, further contributing to the decline of local and regional biodiversity. Many species of plants, insects, and animals that once thrived in these ecosystems faced extinction or severe population decline due to these changes.

In summary, the Green Revolution significantly decreased biodiversity by promoting agricultural practices that favored a narrow range of high-yield crops at the expense of traditional varieties and ecosystems. This phenomenon illustrates the complex relationship between agricultural advancements and the conservation of