Feeding the human race (B6.2) | OCR GCSE Biology A (Gateway Science) — Foundation (J247)

B6.2 Feeding the human race

Summary The human population is increasing rapidly and with this comes a need for more food. Biologists are seeking to tackle this increased demand, which will lead to an improvement in the lives of many people around the world. However, there are many things to consider in achieving this aim, not least the impact on ecosystems. There is much debate surrounding the use of gene technology as a potential solution to the problem of food security. Underlying knowledge and understanding Learners should be familiar with the content of a healthy human diet and the consequences of imbalances in a healthy daily diet. Their knowledge and understanding from topics 1, 4 and 5 will also be drawn together in this topic.

This includes the organisation of DNA, what plants require enabling them to photosynthesise, interactions between species and the idea of variability within species and subsequent selection of characteristics. Common misconceptions Learners can often think that genetic engineering leads to the increased use of pesticides.

Reference	Mathematical learning outcomes	Mathematical skills
$BM6.2i$	$extract and interpret information from charts, graphs and tables$	$M2c and M4a$

extract and interpret information from charts, graphs and tables

B6.2a describe some of the biological factors ☑ affecting levels of food security

increasing human population, changing diets in wealthier populations, new pests and pathogens, environmental change, sustainability and cost of agricultural inputs

B6.2b describe and explain some possible ☑ agricultural solutions to the demands of the growing human population

increased use of hydroponics, biological control, gene technology, fertilisers and pesticides

B6.2c explain the impact of the selective breeding of food plants and domesticated animals

Research into the Rothamsted Research Broadbalk experiment.

B6.2d describe genetic engineering as a process which involves modifying the genome of an organism to introduce desirable characteristics

B6.2f explain some of the possible benefits and risks of using gene technology in modern agriculture

practical and ethical considerations

WS1.1c, WS1.1d, WS1.1e, WS1.1f, WS1.1g, WS1.1h, WS1.3i

Research into the advantages and disadvantages of selective breeding and genetic engineering.

B6.2g describe and explain some possible ☑ biotechnological solutions to the demands of the growing human population

genetic modification

Research into the growth of GM crops or livestock.

$B6.2a describe some of the biological factors ☑ affecting levels of food security$	$increasing human population, changing diets in wealthier populations, new pests and pathogens, environmental change, sustainability and cost of agricultural inputs$	$M2b, M2f$
$B6.2b describe and explain some possible ☑ agricultural solutions to the demands of the growing human population$	$increased use of hydroponics, biological control, gene technology, fertilisers and pesticides$		$WS1.1c$
$B6.2c explain the impact of the selective breeding of food plants and domesticated animals$		$M1c, M2c, M4a$	$WS1.1c$	$Research into the Rothamsted Research Broadbalk experiment.$
$B6.2d describe genetic engineering as a process which involves modifying the genome of an organism to introduce desirable characteristics$
$B6.2f explain some of the possible benefits and risks of using gene technology in modern agriculture$	$practical and ethical considerations$		$WS1.1c, WS1.1d, WS1.1e, WS1.1f, WS1.1g, WS1.1h, WS1.3i$	$Research into the advantages and disadvantages of selective breeding and genetic engineering.$
$B6.2g describe and explain some possible ☑ biotechnological solutions to the demands of the growing human population$	$genetic modification$	$M1c, M2c, M4a$	$WS1.1c, WS1.1g$	$Research into the growth of GM crops or livestock.$

Feeding the human race

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