1)) The Irish Potato Famine lasted from 1845 to 1849 . Since potatoes are hardy and fairly easy to grow, they had been a main source of food in Ireland for more than one hundred years. Ireland depended mostly on the Lumper potato, a high-yield variety th could be stored for long periods of time. Unfortunately, this reliance on only one type potato led to a lack of genetic diversity in the potato crop. When a disease infested Ireland's potatoes in 1845 , most of the crop was destroyed, resulting in widespread famine. More than one million people died, and another million left the country to avoi starvation.

The Irish Potato Famine was not just an agricultural disaster; it exposed deeper social and political issues in Ireland, including British colonial rule and economic exploitation. The British government’s inadequate response to the crisis, including poor relief measures, contributed significantly to the suffering. This period spurred significant waves of Irish emigration, particularly to the United States, where large Irish communities began to form and deeply influence American culture. To prevent such tragedies, diversification in agriculture is essential. Many farmers now are encouraged to grow a variety of crops instead of relying on a single type, reducing vulnerability to disease and climate challenges. It’s crucial for crop rotations and biodiversity to be incorporated into farming practices, as these strategies not only improve soil health but also ensure food security in the long run.