Question 9 (2 points) Some drugs that are currently used with great success to treat cancer and viral infections represent the intrinsic value of life are derived from cultivars that combine together parts of several other plants are derived from wild plants. the need to rely increasingly on herbicides and pesticides declining agricultural productivity an increasing need to rely upon irrigation (2 points) The main risk of continuing degradation of agricultural land is theed to shift from grain crops to soybeans Question 11 (2 points) If a plowed farm.field were converted back to natural prairie, we would expect that less water would be retained in the groundwater reservoir erosion of the soil would decrease more pollutants would flow into the watershed flooding would be more common in the related watershed

**Question 9 – Part 1** 1. Many modern drugs used to treat cancer (e.g., paclitaxel for breast cancer) and viral infections have been discovered by looking into compounds produced by plants that grow wild. 2. These compounds are found through ethnobotanical research and screening of natural substances, and they are not typically the result of deliberate plant cross‐breeding or cultivation in controlled hybrids. 3. Thus, the correct answer is that such drugs **are derived from wild plants**. **Question 9 – Part 2** 1. The degradation of agricultural land generally results in a decline in the heath and fertility of the soil, which leads to a reduction in its productivity over time. 2. As soil productivity diminishes, farmers often experience reduced crop yields, which represents the main risk of continued degradation. 3. Thus, the correct answer is **declining agricultural productivity**. **Question 11** 1. Converting a plowed farm field back to natural prairie involves reintroducing deep-rooted perennial grasses and native plants. 2. The roots of prairie plants help bind the soil, reducing erosion. This increases the ability of the land to retain water and reduces surface runoff. 3. Therefore, when a plowed field is restored to prairie: - Soil erosion is expected to **decrease**. - Water retention in the groundwater reservoir would increase rather than decrease. - Less polluted runoff would be expected. - Flooding is less likely to be more common. 4. Thus, the correct answer is **erosion of the soil would decrease**.