...Vanessa virginiensis The Monarch Butterfly, or Vanessa virginiensis, is a large orange or black butterfly that is most known for its distinctive multi-generational migration from Canada to Mexico and vice versa. Many conservation societies are beginning to raise awareness about the conservation and safe use of herbicides that have affected the Monarch over the last few years, after a ten-fold decrease in the population. The Monarch can be found in the entirety of the Continental United States, as well as Canada and Mexico, depending on the season. As well as being found in the United States, a common attractant of the butterfly is a plant called milkweed, which is often a host plant in which the Monarchs’ eggs are laid. Monarchs have many...
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...IS THE MONARCH HEADING FOR EXTINCTION? 1 The Monarch Butterfly: Is extinction in the near future for the Monarch? Samuel O. Dean Western Governors University WGU Student ID# XXXXXXXXX IS THE MONARCH HEADING FOR EXTINCTION? 2 Is the Monarch Heading for Extinction? The monarch butterfly is well known and easily recognized, as it inhabits many islands and continents of the world (Bradley & Altizer, 2005). Most of the monarch populations are solitary; they remain in one basic geographical area throughout the year. The eastern North American monarch butterfly is a unique variant because it undertakes an incredible migration, spanning thousands of miles, crossing through three countries and requires three to four generations to complete this cycle every year. Throughout this journey, the monarchs breed, lay their eggs and die; it is their offspring which complete the journey. Starting in central Mexico in early spring, the monarchs traverse northward throughout a majority of the eastern United States and into southern Canada before returning to their overwintering grounds in the Transvolcanic Belt of central Mexico before winter sets in (Rudolf, Ely, Schaefer, Williamson, & Thill, 2006; Yoon, 1998; Williams, Stow, & Brower, 2007; Williams & Brower, 2007). Over one billion butterflies migrate southward from their one million square mile breeding range, forming densely packed colonies of up to 50 million butterflies per hectare while they...
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...Genetically Modified Foods fall into three categories: environmental hazards, human health risks, and economic concerns, which brings me to my first contention. Contention 1: Environmental Hazards. In 2012 a lab study was published in nature showing that pollen from B.t. corn caused high mortality rates in monarch butterfly caterpillars. Monarch caterpillars consume milkweed plants, not corn, but the fear is that if pollen from B.t. corn is blown by the wind onto milkweed plants in neighboring fields, the caterpillars could eat the pollen and die. Even though the Nature study was not conducted under natural field conditions, the results seemed to support this viewpoint. Unfortunately, B.t. toxins kill many species of insect larvae indiscriminately; it is not possible to design a B.t. toxin that would only kill cropdamaging pests and remain harmless to all other insects. This study is being reexamined by the USDA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other nongovernment research groups, and preliminary data from new studies suggests that the original study may have been wrong in some ways. This topic is the subject...
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...Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior (2012) is a novel of clashing ideologies. On one side the reader sees the ideologies of Ovid Byron the “‘[e]ntomologist . . . [who] ‘did [his] graduate studies at Harvard’” (Kingsolver 120) and who is trying to figure out “‘why a major portion of the monarch population that has overwintered in Mexico since God set it loose there . . . would instead aggregate in the southern Appalachians’” (122). The other ideology that is pitted against that of Byron’s is that of the Feathertown populace which is an overtly religious town where most things are attributed to God’s plans or in the case of Dellarobia Turnbow finding the butterflies as “‘a miracle’” (Kingsolver 54). The third main ideology that is seen in...
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...Overview Printable Version (PDF) Tell a Friend Genetically-modified foods (GM foods) have made a big splash in the news lately. European environmental organizations and public interest groups have been actively protesting against GM foods for months, and recent controversial studies about the effects of genetically-modified corn pollen on monarch butterfly caterpillars1, 2 have brought the issue of genetic engineering to the forefront of the public consciousness in the U.S. In response to the upswelling of public concern, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held three open meetings in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Oakland, California to solicit public opinions and begin the process of establishing a new regulatory procedure for government approval of GM foods3. I attended the FDA meeting held in November 1999 in Washington, D.C., and here I will attempt to summarize the issues involved and explain the U.S. government's present role in regulating GM food. What are genetically-modified foods? The term GM foods or GMOs (genetically-modified organisms) is most commonly used to refer to crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques. These plants have been modified in the laboratory to enhance desired traits such as increased resistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content. The enhancement of desired traits has traditionally been undertaken through breeding, but conventional plant breeding methods can...
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...of genetically modified crops not solely based on facts, but on personal morals) * Purpose of Research Paper (Why should we be playing god, creating and using such pesticides to kill off natures insects/animals, but still find it acceptable to put it into a human body) Ethical Issues (Ethical and Unethical) * Effects on human health- What researchers have found to do to the human body? * Effects on Environment- What has the population and researches witness it to do to soil and our environment? * Effects on animals/insects- What are genetically modified crops doing to animals and insects exposed to these genetically modified pesticides. Facts * Human Health * Allergies- number of people whose allergies have increased or worsen since the use of genetically modified crops. * Reduction in fertility- how many people have been affected? Studies? Percentages? * Cancer Causing- What cancers have been proven to exist from these genetically modified pesticides? * Environment * Toxicity levels are higher- Where? Numbers? * Hazards- What kind of hazards are they causing to the environment? Are they reversible or not? How can we treat the soil to protect it? * Animals/Insects * Pollinators- How does this affect nature’s natural course? * Killings of animals such as Bees, Bats, ect…. * Monarch Butterflies- Finding the big issue Options and Analysis (Major Ethical Principals) * Consequentialism...
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...Genetically Modified Food. The way to go? Name Institution Genetically Modified Foods also known as Biotech Foods are derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They differ from traditional foods in that their DNA have been introduced to genetic engineering techniques to enhance desired traits such as improved nutritional content and much more. Over 40 plant varieties have federal requirements for commercialization as GMOs. It all started in 1946, when scientists discovered DNA transfer between organisms. The first genetically modified plant was produced in 1983 and now 165 million acres annually are grown. However, along with rapid adoption of technology have come myths propagated by proponents and opponents. Different GM organisms include different genes inserted in different ways. All GM foods currently available on the international market have passed risk assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health. The general population has showed no effects on human health because of the consumption of such foods. Continuous use of risk assessments based on the Codex principles and, where appropriate, including post market monitoring, should form the basis for evaluating the safety of GM foods. (Winter & Gallegos, 2006) The GM foods controversy is a dispute over the relative advantages and disadvantages of food derived from GMOs, GM crops used and other uses of GMOs in food production. The world population has topped 6 billion people and is predicted...
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...Agriculture and Food Technology AENG 26 Introduction to Environmental Science Term Paper Effects of Genetically Modified Food on Human Amoguis, Jenina R. ECE 3 – 1 Engr. David L. Cero Professor Introduction Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene from a different organism. Currently available GM foods stem mostly from plants, but in the future foods derived from GM microorganisms or GM animals are likely to be introduced on the market. Most existing genetically modified crops have been developed to improve yield, through the introduction of resistance to plant diseases or of increased tolerance of herbicides. In the future, genetic modification could be aimed at altering the nutrient content of food, reducing its allergenic potential, or improving the efficiency of food production systems. The main purpose of genetic modification of food is to improve its taste, output, and make plants disease resistant. Despite these advantages, many people refuse to eat genetically modified foods over concerns that it could be dangerous to their health. However, there is still no detailed study about the long term effects of eating genetically modified foods. Genetically modified foods have more research challenges but also there are misgivings about its implications in the long run. All these...
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...and a reduction in food cost. However, the green movement believe GM is a risk to public health, safety and environment. Firstly, they believe genetically modified foods will cause gene disruption and modification of existing genes causing toxicity; secondly, they will cause an increase in antibiotic resistance due to gene splicing and thirdly, genes will escape into wild populations (Jerome et al., 2010; Thies & Devare, 2007). The green movement uses an array of highly criticised scientific studies focussing on non-target species under very unrealistic circumstances to uphold the anti-GM argument (Trewavas & Leaver, 2001). A study by Losey et al., (1999) indicating harmful effects of genetically modified Bt cotton in Monarch Butterflies, was used by the green peace protesters at an EU council...
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...Are they a Risk to Human/Animal Health. Retrieved from http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/pusztai.html Ph.D Arpad Pusztai puts his findings together about the digestion of GM foods. He put together an experiment where he fed GM potatoes to rats. The results from his experiment showed the rats digestive system slowed down and there was damage to it. 3. Cummins, J. (2007,April 24). Requiem for the Honeybee. ISIS. Retrieved from http://www.i-sis.org.uk/requiemForTheHoneybee.php Professor Joe Cummins pulls together his research about the decline of the honeybee. He believes that the pollen from GM crops causes damage to the bee when it comes to pollinate the crop/ flower. 4. Cendrowicz, L. ( 2010, March 9). Is Europe Finally Ready for Genetically Modified Foods?. Time. Retrieved from http://www.time.com Europe has long resisted the fight against GM foods. They have finally approve of GM potatoes to be grown for the production of paper rather than consumption. Many people are wary that it will turn into consumers eating the GM potatoe. 5. Netherwood, T., Martin-Orue, S., O’Donnell, A., Gockling, S., Graham, J., Mathers, J., Gilbert, H. (2004, February). Assessing the...
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...It is toxic to bees and causes colony collapse disorder among them. Colony collapse disorder is when workers bees suddenly disappear from their bee colony. It causes adult bees to be absent with dead little bees. This is caused by honeybee enterprises feeding their bees high fructose corn syrup. For instance, a research project was conducted where there are five hives and four of them would be fed high fructose corn syrup with pesticides in them and the fifth would be fed just high fructose corn syrup (Helman 3). At first, nothing seemed to happen but as the experiment continued and a large mass of bees were seen fleeing from their hives. After several weeks, 15 of the 16 hives the researchers had fed the pesticide had colony collapse disorder showing that high fructose corn syrup, although not a direct cause of it, still causes the bees to become weaker and more vulnerable to pesticides (Helman...
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...Are What We Eat: A Cause to Label Genetically Modified Foods Kelly Boysiewick ITT Technical Institute EN1420 – Composition II Professor Uddin August 21st, 2014 Table of Contents Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………3 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………..4 What Are Genetically Modified Foods?.….....................................................................................4 Significant Differences Between Conventional and GM Foods...............................................…...5 Long-Term Studies………………………………………………………………………………..5 Creating a New Species…………...………………………………………………………………7 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………..………….9 References……………………………….……………………………………………………….10 Abstract This paper examines the need for labeling of genetically-modified foods, of GM foods, by researching significant nutritional differences found in conventional and GM foods, long-term studies on the impact on human health, and compounding effects on the environment caused by creating a non-naturally occurring species. In finding no significant nutritional advantages, a lack of evidence to disprove studies on adverse effects on human health, and potentially detrimental effects on the environment, it is believed that the consumer has a right to be informed of the origin or alterations of food made available to them. We Are What We Eat: A Cause to Label Genetically-Modified Foods One of the most dangerous and least understood experiments with human...
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...http://cls.casa.colostate.edu/transgeniccrops/what.html What Are Transgenic Plants? A transgenic crop plant contains a gene or genes which have been artificially inserted instead of the plant acquiring them through pollination. The inserted gene sequence (known as the transgene) may come from another unrelated plant, or from a completely different species: transgenic Bt corn, for example, which produces its own insecticide, contains a gene from a bacterium. Plants containing transgenes are often called genetically modified or GM crops, although in reality all crops have been genetically modified from their original wild state by domestication, selection and controlled breeding over long periods of time. On this web site we will use the term transgenic to describe a crop plant which has transgenes inserted. Image:Results of insect infestation on Bt (right) and non-Bt (left) cotton bolls. Source: USDA | Why Make Transgenic Crop Plants? A plant breeder tries to assemble a combination of genes in a crop plant which will make it as useful and productive as possible. Depending on where and for what purpose the plant is grown, desirable genes may provide features such as higher yield or improved quality, pest or disease resistance, or tolerance to heat, cold and drought. Combining the best genes in one plant is a long and difficult process, especially as traditional plant breeding has been limited to artificially crossing plants within the same species or with closely related...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms Technology, Society, and Culture Table of Contents Technical Aspect of GMO by Chad Dookie Page 3 Moral and Ethical Aspect of GMO by Ronald Claude Page 7 Cultural and Legal Aspect of GMO by Evangelina Ramirez Page 14 Environmental Issues of GMO by Donovan Collins Page 23 References Page 32 Technical Aspect of GMO by Chad Dookie Description of GMOs and the associated science Most of the populations that do shopping in the groceries to buy food for their family are not aware of the “naturalness” of the food. Groceries sell items such as; cotton seeds, rice, soy, sugar beets, yeast, cassava, papaya, bananas, food flavoring, potatoes, corn, tomatoes, squash, oils, beef, pork, chicken, salmon, peas, alfalfa, and honey. Notice that most of the items listed either came from a plant or an animal. Those are the top 20 grocery items that have been genetically modified. What are genetically modified organisms? A genetically modified organism is any living thing that has had their DNA tampered with. This can be mutating, removing, or adding genetic material into the organism. All of the items listed in paragraph one has had their DNA tampered with. Most times when people talk about genetically modified organisms, they mostly refer to plants that are genetically modified. You may be wondering how the animals listed are considered genetically modified. This is because scientists modify the plants that are being...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms Andre Thomas Soc/215 10-14-15 Dr. Melisha Plummer Genetically Modified Organisms Much has been written about genetically modified organisms. These are commonly known as GMOs. Genetically modified organisms have some positive attributes. However, GMOs also have adverse effects on animals, the environment and the health of the consumer. In order to understand why GMOs have these effects, it is important to know exactly what a GMO is and how these differ from the normal breeding farmers have done for years. The Free Dictionary defines a GMO as “An organism whose genetic characteristics have been altered using the techniques of genetic engineering.” It goes on to explain that modern science has the ability to modify the genetic makeup of plants and animals. Scientists can even transfer genes from one species to another. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/genetically+modified+organism Advocates of genetically modified organisms say that the use of the gmos could end world hunger they also say we could create plants and animals that are resistant to disease and tolerant to pesticides. They can also engineer plants to be drought resistant. They argue these changes would stop famine because the plants could naturally resist. The proponents use pathos to convince people they have the answer to world hunger. They show you pictures starving people around the world and tell you their “improved” seeds make hunger go away. Perhaps it could but the studies...
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