Final answer:
Genetic engineering can result in genetic changes within one generation as it involves direct intervention in an organism's genome, which contrasts with selective breeding where changes also occur but over multiple generations.
Step-by-step explanation:
With genetic engineering, genetic changes can happen within one generation. This rapid change is possible because genetic engineering involves the direct manipulation of an organism's genome using biotechnology. It's a set of technologies that allow scientists to change the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce improved or novel organisms.
An illustrative example of how genetic engineering can lead to changes in one generation is the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). GMOs can include crops that have been engineered to resist pests or to enhance nutritional content. The introduction of 'beneficial' genes into these organisms can result in noticeable changes from the parent generation to the genetically modified offspring.
It is important to note that selective breeding also results in genetic changes in the offspring, but it is different from genetic engineering. Selective breeding is a process by which humans breed plants and animals for particular genetic characteristics and is considered anthropogenic, meaning it is originating in human activity.