HorsesOfTheNight
In the second chapter Rachel Carson says “Nature has introduced great variety into the landscape, but man has displayed a passion for simplifying it (10).” This statement is very true. It does seem like people want reduce biodiversity in certain ecosystems. A good example of where biodiversity is being reduced is in lawns. I see people in my neighborhood putting ChemLawn on their yards to kill the “weeds” that occupy the yard with the grass. I personally like having biodiversity in my lawn. More biodiversity means that the ecosystem is stronger. Because my lawn has more biodiversity is remains green in the middle of the summer when all of the “perfect” lawns turn brown b/c of their lack of biodiversity.
This is also true with farming. We now only eat a few different varieties of tomatoes and other fruits/vegetables. We've narrowed it down to those who can produce aesthetically pleasing end results. (Though, I prefer myself some wonderful carnival carrots over regular ole grocery store carrots.)
She also made a good point that if you have a mono crop, you're going to get more pests related to that particular crop. If you diversify, then those pests can't run rampant as they have competition/not a whole field of food.
Quote:
I also liked Rachel Carson’s discussion of pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides. I can’t believe that is the 50’s and 60’s that they used chemicals such as DDT and arsenic to kill pests on crops.
Oh come on, DDT is
good for you!
xd I was pretty shocked that they realized that DDT kills lice and then decided it was a good idea to spray soldiers with it. Absolutely no future thinking at all.
Quote:
So what did you guys think of the first couple of chapters?
I like her style of writing. With factual books I've found enjoyment really depends on how the author relays the information. If it's poorly relayed or tedious I'm not going to read it at all.
I highlighted a bunch of stuff; I'll have to go back through and post again with thoughts.
Chapters 6-10 by next week or ?
Reply
