Photo by Dave Govoni (Va bene!), Flickr.
Earlier this year, research conducted by the University of Minnesota and Iowa State University linked the declining monarch butterfly population to the rise in genetically modified crops.
Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed, which used to often be present on the edges of cornfields. The caterpillars then feed exclusively off of the milkweed.
However, since the introduction of crops that can withstand heavy herbicide use, more herbicide has been used on farms and milkweed has disappeared. Without this food source, caterpillars struggle to survive.
Read more here.
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About Michael Gallagher
I am originally from outside of Chicago, but I have spent the last five years in Iowa pursuing my education. From 2006-2010 I attended Grinnell College, where I received a B.A. in English. Currently, I am a graduate student in the University of Iowa's journalism department.
In addition to my work for CGRER, I write for the non-profit investigative reporting organization Iowa Watch. Previously, I worked as a freelance writer, primarily contributing to Hoopla (The Gazette's arts and culture publication), and I assistant coached the Grinnell College cross country and track teams for a year.
My interests include writing, running, watching the Chicago Bulls, and . . . environmental news!
