Final answer:
A genetic engineer would likely modify the trait of farm animals growing larger on less food, as in salmon, to improve farming efficiency. This is an application of genomics, which also helps improve disease resistance and crop yield. Transgenic animals are used for pharmaceuticals as well as for these improvements in agriculture.
Step-by-step explanation:
A genetic engineer would be most likely to genetically modify the ability of farm animals to grow larger while consuming less food, as it pertains to salmon (option a). This modification aims to improve the efficiency of food-to-growth conversion, thereby reducing the resources required for raising farm animals. This is achieved through genetic engineering, which involves the introduction of specific genes responsible for desired characteristics, such as faster growth rate or improved feed efficiency, without introducing genes responsible for unwanted traits.
In addition to growth modification, genetic engineering in agriculture uses genomics to improve disease resistance, generate new hybrid strains, and improve yield. This is grounded in the idea that linking traits to genes or gene patterns enables scientists to enhance agriculture by creating crops and animals with desirable qualities. For instance, genomics has enabled the creation of transgenic animals that can produce human proteins in their milk or eggs, which is quite useful in producing pharmaceuticals.
While addressing a specific question like this, it's essential to consider the broader implications of genetic engineering, including ethical considerations, environmental impact, and the feasibility of implementation. Genomic technologies have revolutionized modern agriculture by making it possible to achieve significant enhancements in crop and animal production with more precise and targeted genetic modifications.