monoculture
MON-oh-kul-cher
/ˈmɒn.əˌkʌl.tʃər/
the cultivation of a single crop in a given area.
Usually used with a negative connotation in environmental circles, implying a lack of biodiversity and high vulnerability to disease.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'monos' (single) and the Latin 'cultura' (tilling). It describes the industrial approach of treating a field like a factory floor where only one 'product' is allowed to exist.
Word relationships
- uniformity: The state of being the same, though less specific to biology.
- specialization: In an economic sense, focusing on one product, but without the biological baggage.
- polyculture: The practice of growing many different crops together.
- biodiversity: The natural state of having many species, the opposite of monoculture.
Commonly confused with
- polyculture: Polyculture is the direct opposite—growing multiple crops in the same space.
Word family
- monocultural (adjective): relating to monocure
Collocations
- industrial monoculture
- monoculture farming
- vulnerable monocure
Example sentences
- "The great danger of monoculture is that a single pest or disease can wipe out an entire region's food supply." Environmental critique
- "Our modern food system is built on a monoculture of corn and soy." Food journalism
Memory hook
'Mono' (one) like a 'monocle' (one eye) = One crop. Only one crop.
When not to use
While it can be used in sociology (a single culture), in this context it is strictly agricultural.
Fun facts
- The Irish Potato Famine was a tragic result of a monoculture, where almost the entire population relied on a single variety of potato.
Related words
Explore more words
crop rotation, homogenization, overpopulated, clear-cutting, homogenize
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