What does it mean that target species don't get wiped out
Michael Gochfeld
gochfeld at eohsi.rutgers.edu
Thu May 27 21:08:19 EDT 1999
I don't agree with the example that since target species don't get wiped
out by Bt we don't have to worry about non-targets. The target species
are targets for a very good reason, intrinsic to their population
biology and their potential for explosive population increase. Most
non-target species lack this potential at most times and in most places.
Thus Gypsy Moths thrive in forests where certain species of butterflies
might succumb. This argument applies to any insecticide, not just Bt.
M. Gochfeld
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