Instructions

Two of the following questions will be on your first exam, but not everyone will receive the
same question(s). The Canvas online test program will randomly select the questions for
you to answer.

I strongly recommend that you create your answer ahead of time using a word processing
program and then paste the answer into Canvas during your exam.

NOTE: When writing your essays do not copy and paste from the web, another student's
work, an article you found, etc.

However, You are encouraged to prepare your answers ahead of time and copy your own
work from a word processor into Canvas. Make sure to cite (both in-text and full
reference) any sources you use. Do not share your answers with your classmates. Any
plagiarism found within an essay question will result in a 0 for the entire exam and the
incident will be reported to the CSU office for Academic misconduct.

Use complete sentences and try to use no more than 600 words to answer the following:

1) What are Ostrander’s and Bello’s arguments about GMOs? What similarities and differences
between the classical and modern approach (i.e., GMOs) to plant breeding do each of the
authors emphasize to support their arguments?

2) Is having agriculture a good way to measure how complex or advanced a society is? Why or
why not? Use multiple lines of evidence (please be specific!) from lecture or Harlan's Crops &
Man to support your argument (explain/give lots of detail to receive full credit).

3) a) In class and in recitation we've reviewed many theories for how agriculture started. In your
own words, How did agriculture start as a way of producing food? b) Once started, why did it
persist and why did it spread? For full credit, you must provide evidence and cite and explain
theories for the above (explain/give lots of good detail to receive full credit).

4) Germplasm repositories (“gene banks”) exist in many locations around the world. However,
these repositories are expensive to maintain and with current budget constraints some have
suggested ending these programs. Should we continue to spend tax dollars on these sites? Why?
What benefits do they offer to the US or the world? An effective essay will provide evidence
and references as needed to support your opinion, and not simply list the benefits that these
organizations might provide.