Conifers

Abstract

The domestication of a relatively small number of plants and animals for the provision of food and making articles for everyday use has contributed significantly to the welfare of mankind. Obviously, many of these domesticated species no longer resemble their original ancestors and they are usually not capable of establishing on their own or without extensive human intervention. For example, the size, shape and productivity of our current-day maize (corn) differ greatly from those of its ancestor, teosinte. Over recent decades, we have witnessed waves of innovation that have led to significantly increased agricultural production and improvement in the quality of products derived from plants and animals. The Green Revolution has enabled us to increase the amount of food produced and to feed more people using the same area of land for production. The use of modern biotechnology, which many have termed the second green revolution, has, in the last 8–10 years, demonstrated a strong capability to produce even more food, more economically, and with a reduced environmental impact (Gianessi et al. 2003; James 2006). It is interesting to note that no other technology has been embraced by farmers at such a rapid pace, even in the face of resistance from influential pressure groups.