21.1 Protist ClassificationThe Saga Continues
21.2 Protist Structure and Function
21.3 The Ecology of Protists
21.4 Fungi
“A BLIGHT OF UNUSUAL CHARACTER”
Within the first few decades of the nineteenth century, Ireland became heavily dependent on potato farming. Potatoes are nutritious and easy to grow, and they thrived in the damp soil and wet climate of the Emerald Isle. Tenant farmers began to grow potatoes as the primary source of food for themselves and their families.
Then, during the summer of 1845, something strange began to happen. A magazine called The Gardener's Chronicle reported that “a blight of unusual character” was attacking potatoes. Everywhere in Ireland, potatoes began to rot and turn black. By the beginning of the twentieth century, starvation and emigration would cut the population of Ireland in half, while the island's principal food crop rotted in the fields. As you read this chapter, look for clues to help you identify what caused the potato blight.
Never Stop Exploring Your World.
Finding the solution to this mystery is just the beginning. Take a video field trip with the ecogeeks of Untamed Science to see where this mystery leads.