Kelly Luker

Much has been written about the endangerment of species like tigers, gray whales, and the northern spotted owl, yet, according to Kelly Luker in the following viewpoint, ordinary breeds of domestic animals are also at risk of extinction. Luker explains that modern methods of raising livestock threaten our food supply because animals are bred for production traits—such as increased milk production—thereby losing their natural resistance to disease. In addition, if a disease does strike, there will be fewer breeds to compensate if one strain is lost, and whole populations could be quickly wiped out. Kelly Luker is an award- winning contributor to several central California newspapers.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Luker, when applying an industrial mode to agriculture, what other foodstuffs are in danger...