Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
In a model, the share of the pollen on a plant that comes from a GM field is per cent, where is the distance in metres from the field. Use and .
The manipulation of living organisms needs rules. GM organisms could have unpredictable results when they are introduced into the ecosystem. The Indian Government set up the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), which decides on the validity of GM research and on the safety of introducing GM organisms for public services. A model of gene flow says that the share of pollen from a GM field falls with distance. A model of resistance says that a refuge, where the pest is not selected, slows the rise of a resistance allele.
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Given. Share per cent.
Plan. Put the distance into the power. For part (c), solve for the distance at which the share is .
Step 1. m. .
Step 2. m. .
Step 3. Below . gives , so m. The share is below beyond this, so the smallest whole number of metres is m.
Answer: ; ; m.
Check. The share falls to of its value for each m, so it is , then , which agrees with the calculation.
Watch out. This is a model with a made up length scale. Real pollen flow depends on the crop, the wind and the insects.
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