What is one of the impacts of monoculture on biodiversity?

Monoculture refers to the agricultural practice of growing a single crop species over a large area for consecutive seasons. This approach can have significant impacts on biodiversity. By focusing on a single type of crop, monoculture often leads to the reduction of biodiversity in both plant and animal species.

When farmers cultivate just one type of crop, they typically clear away other plant species and disrupt the habitats that support a variety of organisms, including insects and other wildlife. This limitation on crop variety not only decreases the genetic diversity within the crops themselves but also extends to a decline in the diversity of pests, pollinators, and beneficial microorganisms, all of which rely on a diverse ecosystem for survival.

Thus, the practice of monoculture ultimately diminishes the variety of crops and habitats available, leading to weakened ecological systems and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases that can thrive when diversity is low. This underscores the importance of maintaining biodiversity for ecological health and resilience in agricultural landscapes.