Final answer:
Genetic engineering is a form of genetic manipulation used in the domestication of plants and animals, where the genetic makeup of an organism is altered to exhibit desirable traits. An example includes genetically modified crops such as herbicide-resistant soybeans and borer-resistant corn.
Step-by-step explanation:
A form of genetic manipulation used for the domestication of plants and animals is genetic engineering, which involves the direct alteration of an organism's genetic makeup to achieve desirable traits. A modern example of this technology in use is the development of genetically modified crops, such as herbicide-resistant soybeans and borer-resistant corn. These crops have been engineered to express new traits that improve yield and reduce the need for chemical interventions.
Historically, genetic manipulation began with selective breeding practices to create crops and livestock with favorable characteristics. While selective breeding has been used for thousands of years, techniques such as recombinant DNA technology have only been utilized in the recent decades. Recombinant DNA involves combining genetic material from different organisms to produce new genetic combinations that are beneficial for agriculture or medicine.
An instance of genetic engineering in agriculture is the creation of transgenic plants that express traits like disease and pest resistance, improved nutritional content, and extended shelf life. The alteration of the genetic structure of these organisms through molecular cloning and other biotechnological tools has been instrumental in increasing agricultural efficiency and food supply.