The Omnivore's Dilemma

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2006

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part I, Introduction-Chapter 3

Part I, Chapters 4-7

Part II, Chapters 8-10

Part II, Chapters 11-14

Part III, Chapters 15-17

Part III, Chapters 18-20

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Index of Terms

Haber-Bosch Process

The Haber-Bosch Process, developed in 1909, allowed for the high-yield production of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen. This ammonia could be used for fertilizer; the success of the Haber-Bosch process has led to several global outcomes, including high-yield food production, increase in human population, and increase in carbon emissions.

GMO

GMO stands for “Genetically Modified Organism.” This refers to a plant or animal species with DNA that has been altered using genetic engineering. Pollan highlights how the production of food, especially corn, has changed through genetic modification.

Monoculture

Monoculture means the cultivation of a single crop. The farms described in the first part of the book, including the feedlots in Kansas and the Iowan corn industry, represent monocultures.