Final answer:
Genetic engineering involves the direct manipulation of an organism's DNA, which is a recent development compared to traditional breeding practiced for millennia. Modern genetic engineering allows for precise genetic modifications, creating GMOs with desirable traits. Studies indicate the need to evaluate both traditional and genetically engineered crops for food safety and environmental impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recent advancements in genetic engineering do not mark the first time humans have manipulated agricultural genetics. In fact, selective breeding, a traditional form of altering crops, has been practiced for thousands of years. This practice involves choosing plants with desirable traits to breed together, thereby altering the genetic makeup and enabling new traits to emerge over time. An example of this is the development of maize from its wild ancestor, teosinte.
What is relatively new is the direct manipulation of DNA to produce genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or more specifically, transgenic crops. These crops have been engineered to express traits such as disease resistance, herbicide tolerance, improved nutritional value, and longer shelf-life. The transgenic approach allows specific genes to be inserted directly into a plant to produce these desirable outcomes. While traditional breeding can impact the genetic structure in a broader and less predictable manner, genetic engineering allows for precise changes to be made.
There have been concerns about the safety of genetically engineered crops for the environment and human health. However, comprehensive studies, such as the 'GE Crop Report' by the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, suggest that both traditionally bred and genetically engineered crops may pose potential risks, though they should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The aim is to understand the implications of both traditional and modern agricultural practices for ensuring food safety and environmental protection.
In conclusion, while genetic manipulation of agriculture via traditional methods dates back millennia, modern biotechnology has created new ways to engineer crops directly at the genetic level, posing both opportunities and challenges for future agricultural practices.