Final answer:
The statement is true; the most abundant genetically modified food crops in the U.S. are herbicide-tolerant corn and soybeans. Over 90% of the soybeans planted are genetically engineered for herbicide resistance, with similar advancements in corn for both herbicide and insect resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the most abundant genetically modified food crops in the U.S. are herbicide-tolerant corn and soybeans is true. A significant majority of corn and soybeans grown in the United States are genetically modified to be resistant to specific herbicides, particularly glyphosate, which is found in products like Roundup. This genetic modification allows farmers to apply herbicides to control weeds without harming their crops.
In the case of soybeans, over 90% of seeds planted are herbicide-resistant. These soybeans, known as "Roundup Ready," have a patented genome and produce sterile seeds, requiring farmers to purchase new seeds each season. Similarly, genetically modified corn has been developed to be resistant to herbicides as well as to insect pests, using genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
These developments in genetic engineering have provided benefits such as reduced chemical usage and more efficient weed and pest control, positively impacting agricultural practices. However, these modifications also involve complex considerations regarding patent law, seed sovereignty, and environmental impacts.