Genetic Engineering

Biotechnology: Designer Genes for Familiar Foods There are many environmental issues surrounding the agricultural, farming, and ecological applications of biotechnology. Objectors to altered crops express concerns wondering how engineered pest and herbicide resistance might affect local ecology. For example, they ask if herbicide resistance would lead to increased use of dangerous herbicides to kill weeds, since farmers would no longer worry about the dangers of their crops' overexposure to these chemicals. In addition, these people …

…might be created. There might be harm to insects or birds. · There might be a decrease in biodiversity if wild species are lost through inter-breeding. · A few large corporations might control genetic diversity. Note: Not everyone’s opinions are based on facts supported by research. It’s important to be aware of research findings as they evolve. For example, further research refuted the initial concern about potential impact of GMO corn pollen on Monarch butterflies.