Biodiversity had been replaced by genetic uniformity, in universities the departments of animal sciences had become departments of zootechnical sciences, an economic activity once dominated by women had now passed in the hands of males, and expert lungs had been replaced by salary employees . There was no gunshot to mark the start of the running down. The ground tilt and everyone slipped down.
The text highlights the decline of biodiversity, noting how it has shifted towards genetic uniformity, which poses risks to ecological health. Furthermore, the transition in educational institutions from animal sciences to zootechnical sciences reflects a growing focus on economic aspects, often sidelining the underlying ecological concerns. This shift in academic focus parallels broader societal changes where traditionally female-dominated roles have been overtaken by men, indicating shifts in both gender dynamics and professional practices.
Additionally, the phrase "expert lungs had been replaced by salary employees" suggests a loss of genuine, passionate engagement with animal sciences, indicating that financial motives may now overshadow expertise and dedication. The metaphor of a gradual decline, depicted as a tilt causing everyone to slip down, emphasizes that this deterioration did not occur suddenly but rather as a slow, inevitable process, illustrating the concerning trajectory of our relationship with nature and industry.