ABSTRACT
The main biological factors, the plants and animals, are more than allies in man’s fight against famine, because their presence and relative abundance are vital to his very existence; without them he would starve. The better understanding of the biology of plants and animals has since been an essential ingredient in the improvement of productivity. The concept of improving stocks of plants and animals by the selection of individuals with desirable characteristics and using them as parents for the next generation arose early in agricultural history. The rapid adoption and distribution of improved, scientifically tested new varieties of plants and animals has undoubtedly been a major factor in increasing the total agricultural output, but the process is not without its dangers. A strong case can be made out for the creation and maintenance of ‘gene pools’ or ‘gene banks’ which can preserve such plants or animals.
