Living Environment Regents Practice Test

Why is growing a single crop instead of a variety considered a risk by farmers?

1. It increases soil fertility

2. It reduces the biodiversity of their fields

3. It improves crop resilience

4. It ensures better harvests every season

The correct answer is: It reduces the biodiversity of their fields

Growing a single crop instead of a variety poses significant risks primarily because it reduces the biodiversity of the fields. This lack of biodiversity makes crops more vulnerable to pests and diseases, as a single crop can be more easily affected by pathogens or insect infestations that specifically target that species. In contrast, fields planted with a variety of crops can benefit from different species that may outcompete pests or resist diseases, thus providing a natural form of pest control. Additionally, when farmers depend solely on one crop, they are at greater risk of losing their entire yield if environmental conditions change unfavorably for that specific crop or if market fluctuations occur that decrease its value. The absence of genetic variation in a monoculture system limits options for adaptation and risk management in the face of changing environmental conditions. Hence, focusing on a single crop can jeopardize long-term farming sustainability.