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Genetically modified (GM) crops are often engineered so they are resistant to herbicides. This allows the farmer to spray the whole crop with strong herbicides and the GM crops are not affected.
It also means that all the flowering broad-leaved weeds that used to grow among the crops are killed. Wild life in the form of birds, bees, butterflies and insects used to come to these weeds and eat the seeds and sup the nectar and eat the leaves. Now they can't.
Some species of farmland birds of Western Europe are now only 10% of their numbers 30 years ago, and some have abandoned the farmlands altogether. Populations of bees and butterflies are also much lower in the GM fields.
What else can I help you with?
What are some benefits genetically engineered crops?
It depends on how they are genetically engineered. The possibilities are almost endless (given time to research the idea) but there are 2 genetic modifications that seem to be most common. Making a crop easier to grow in harsher climates, or causing the crop to grow faster. There are also drawbacks, such as many genetically engineered crops having lower nutritional value, but scientists are constantly working on overcomming these problems, and most of the genetically engineered crops used today are free of these problems.
Is an example of biotechnology?
Genetically engineered crops, like corn and soybeans, are examples of biotechnology.
What would likely possible negative impact of the use of genetically-engineered crops?
The use of genetically-engineered crops can lead to potential negative impacts such as reduced biodiversity, as engineered plants may outcompete native species. Additionally, there are concerns about the development of pesticide-resistant pests, which could result from the widespread use of these crops. Furthermore, reliance on a few genetically modified varieties may increase vulnerability to crop failures due to disease or climate change. Lastly, there is ongoing debate about the long-term health effects on humans and the environment, which remain uncertain.
What are some benefits of genetically engineered crops?
It depends on how they are genetically engineered. The possibilities are almost endless (given time to research the idea) but there are 2 genetic modifications that seem to be most common. Making a crop easier to grow in harsher climates, or causing the crop to grow faster. There are also drawbacks, such as many genetically engineered crops having lower nutritional value, but scientists are constantly working on overcomming these problems, and most of the genetically engineered crops used today are free of these problems.
What is one risk that you can attribute to genetically modified food?
One risk of genetically engineered food is that foods produced from crops that have been engineered to produce a substance that kills insects could have negative health effects on people. Though some believe that is not a possibility, others believe is it not only possible, but probable.
How might these genetically-engineered crops impact the environment?
They will help the environment by allowing farmers to use fewer pesticides.
Why are a lot of people against genetically modified crops being grown?
A lot of people are against genetically modified crops being grown because of potential negative health effects. The effects of altering crops genetically are also not known due to the process being relatively new.
What characteristic is often genetically engineered in crop plants?
By far the characteristic that is most often genetically engineered into crop plants is resistance to herbicides, with engineering crops to produce a substance that kills insects into the plant itself a close second.
Are there harmful effects of genetically altered crops and animals?
lower pesticide
Why do Some farmers currently grow genetically engineered crops an argument against the use of this technology is that?
Some farmers choose to grow genetically engineered crops because they can offer benefits like increased yield, pest resistance, and tolerance to herbicides. However, some argue against this technology due to concerns about potential environmental impacts, the development of herbicide-resistant weeds and pests, as well as the long-term effects on human health and biodiversity.
How are GM food crops produced?
GM crops are produced much like other crops, except that many that are grown have been genetically engineered to be resistant to herbicides or to produce an insecticide in the plant itself.
Why are some GMO crops classified by the EPA as pesticides?
Some GMO crops are genetically engineered to produce a substance that kills insects when they is eaten by them. It is for that reason that some GMO crops are classified as pesticides by the EPA.
