Author Archives: maneethundal

For as long as I can remember I had been told by my teachers that Wikipedia was an unreliable source and to never use it for research. I also remember ignoring them and using it on an almost daily basis- to look up quick definitions or concepts, tv show reviews, historical and upcoming events, biographiesContinue reading “I’m a Wikipedian”

The monkey puzzle is a tree in Chile that is sacred to the local Pehuenche people. They use the seeds for food. What’s odd is the fact that Chile has no monkeys yet this tree is called the monkey puzzle. Its name possibly comes from the illusion that it would be a real puzzle forContinue reading “Monkey Puzzle”

The Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is native to Europe and is also known as European Buckthorn and is an invasive species in Canada (from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan). The species was introduced in Canada around the 1880s and became widespread in the early 1900s as it was often used in hedgerows and windbreaks. In agriculture,Continue reading “Rhamnus Cathartica, an Invasive Species”

Rachel Carson (born May 27, 1907), was a Marine biologist best known for her prophetic book Silent Spring (1962) that brought worldwide awareness of the dangers of   environmental pollution, and became a best seller. Rachel Carson developed an interest in nature at a young age, and went on to continue her environmental research. The environmental movementContinue reading “Women in STEM- Rachel Carson”

George Evelyn Hutchinson, (born on 13 January 1903) in Cambridge, is considered to be the father of modern ecology by many. On receiving the Tyler Prize in 1973, he said that the credit should go to Darwin and Charles Elton. Nonetheless, he is credited with infusing the science with theory that was anchored in naturalContinue reading “The Father of Modern Ecology”

What is the goal of sustainable agriculture? It is to meet society’s food and textile needs in such a way that future generations will not have to compromise to meet their needs. How does sustainable agriculture accomplish this? By incorporating a healthy environment, economic profitability and social and economic equity. Every person has a roleContinue reading “Sustainable Agriculture- The Future of Farming?”