Question

Biotechnology has been used in agriculture to genetically modify crops since the 1970s. One of the main goals of applying genetic engineering to crops is to increase the plant’s ability to survive. Which is MOST likely a concern consumers have in relation to genetically modified crops?

- The modified crops can cross pollinate with other plants.
- The crops are cheaper to plant but require an increase in farm land.
- The improved crops can take longer to reach maturity.
- The plants rely on more water than non-modified crops.

Answer 1

A significant concern consumers have about genetically modified crops is the potential for these crops to cross-pollinate with other plants, which can result in ecological issues and loss of biodiversity. The correct answer is option: The modified crops can cross pollinate with other plants.

Step-by-step explanation:

One of the main goals of applying genetic engineering to crops is to increase the plant’s ability to survive. Among the concerns consumers have about genetically modified crops, a significant one is the potential for these crops to cross-pollinate with other plants.

This cross-pollination can result in the unintended spread of modified genes into wild or non-modified crop populations, leading to ecological concerns such as the loss of biodiversity or the propagation of traits in an uncontrolled manner.

Biotechnology in agriculture aims to produce GMOs with beneficial traits like resistance to pests and diseases, improved nutritional value, and better shelf-life; however, the unintended consequences of gene flow through cross-pollination are a worry for both the environment and for agricultural biodiversity.