Final answer:
The percentage of GMO crops grown in industrial nations varies, but it is often high, as illustrated by the adoption of 'Roundup Ready' soybeans in the USA. GMOs, or transgenic crops, are predicted to see increased production due to their benefits, although their potential has been met with mixed results and ongoing debate regarding environmental safety and biodiversity impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The percentage of GMO crops grown by industrial nations can be described as 'D) Varies between industrial nations,' although in many cases it is a high percentage. For instance, in the United States, over 90% of soybeans planted are a genetically modified variety known as 'Roundup Ready.' These transgenic crops have been widely adopted because of benefits including resistance to pests and herbicides, and the enhancement of crop yields. The US National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and other organizations have determined that genetically engineered (GE) crops are likely to increase in production and use due to their being one of the more benign technologies for generating variability in agriculture. However, the performance of GE crops has been mixed, with some failing to meet initial expectations of significant improvements in nutritional quality or disease resistance.
Genetic engineering in crops continues to be a crucial tool for addressing global challenges such as climate change and population growth. The use of technological advancements in agriculture, including GMOs, enables industrialized agriculture to produce large quantities of food efficiently. However, there remain debates and controversies surrounding GMOs, particularly concerning their safety for the environment and the potential risks they may pose to ecosystems and genetic diversity within crop populations.