Home > Environmental Science > Agriculture

Do GMOs raise or lower the overall crop biodiversity?

Answer 1

The answer depends on the time scale in question.

Initially, GMOs increase biodiversity. GMOs are by defintion 'genetically modified organisms.' That is, they have a different DNA sequence than those found in the original organisms. Introducing new sequences for particular segments of DNA into a species by definition increases the biodiversity of that species.

Long term, GMOs are often better suited to their environments (or to particular highly artificial environments in which they are cultivated) than than the original species so they often out compete them - resulting in an eventual loss of biodiversity.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer 2

Vivian Ahern

GMOs can impact crop biodiversity; it depends on the specific traits introduced. They may increase or decrease biodiversity based on cultivation practices and the traits conferred.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.