Question

Biotechnology has helped produce crops that are resistant to certain pests, crops that produce high yields, and more nitrogen-efficient crops. What is a negative impact that bioengineered plants may have on the environment?

A) Beneficial insects may be adversely affected.
B) Plants have an increased resistance to insect pests.
C) There is an increased need for inorganic fertilizers.
D) Genetically engineered plants may have a longer shelf life.

Answer 1

You could answer this question by Process of Elimination.
D) would be ruled out because this is a positive outcome.
B) would be ruled out because this is also a positive outcome.
C) is a weak distractor. A) is a better answer.

So your answer would probably be A)

Answer 2

Ans.

Biotechnology has played an important role in development of pest-resistant crops to produce high yields. Pests are various damaging agents, such as insects and rodents that adversely affect plant growth and yields. One method to control insect pest is to introduce a toxic bacterial component in the plants that kill the insects, when they feed on those plants.

However, there are various beneficial insects also that get affected by these toxins present in plants, which shows a negative impact on the environment. Hence, the correct answer is 'option A). beneficial insects may be adversely affected.'