Some of the biological challenges of increasing food yields using fewer resources

This topic explores the biological challenges involved in increasing food production while using fewer resources, such as land, water, and fertilisers. As the global population grows, there is immense pressure to produce more food sustainably, but this often conflicts with environmental concerns like habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Students will examine how modern agricultural practices, including monoculture, fertiliser use, and pest control, can boost yields but also create biological trade-offs, such as reduced biodiversity and soil degradation.

Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing sustainable farming methods that balance food security with environmental conservation. The topic covers key biological principles like energy transfer efficiency in food chains, nutrient cycling, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems. It also introduces concepts like biological control, integrated pest management, and genetic modification as potential solutions, while critically evaluating their benefits and risks.

This topic fits within the wider WJEC GCSE Biology curriculum by linking ecology, evolution, and human impact on the environment. It prepares students to think critically about real-world issues, such as feeding a growing population without depleting natural resources, and encourages them to consider the ethical and environmental implications of scientific advancements.