Question
A corn plant has been genetically engineered. It produces pollen that can make its own toxins. These toxins protect the corn plant against pests. What is a likely impact on the environment around the corn plant?
A. The carbon dioxide level would increase in the area
B. The concentration of pesticides in a nearby lake would increase
C. Newer strains of pesticide-resistant pests may develop
D. Bird and butterfly populations around the area may increase
A. The carbon dioxide level would increase in the area
B. The concentration of pesticides in a nearby lake would increase
C. Newer strains of pesticide-resistant pests may develop
D. Bird and butterfly populations around the area may increase
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
The likely impact on the environment around the genetically engineered corn plant that produces its own toxins to protect against pests is:
**C. Newer strains of pesticide-resistant pests may develop.**
When a plant produces its own toxins to fend off pests, it can exert selective pressure on pest populations. This may lead to the development of resistance in certain pest populations over time, as those unable to resist the toxins may die off, leaving behind those pests that have mutations allowing them to survive the toxins.
The other options are less likely impacts based on the information provided:
- A. The carbon dioxide level would increase in the area is not directly related to the introduction of toxin-producing plant traits.
- B. The concentration of pesticides in a nearby lake would increase is unlikely, as the plant is designed to reduce the need for external pesticide applications.
- D. Bird and butterfly populations around the area may increase is not a guaranteed outcome; the impact could vary, especially if the toxins affect non-target species.
**C. Newer strains of pesticide-resistant pests may develop.**
When a plant produces its own toxins to fend off pests, it can exert selective pressure on pest populations. This may lead to the development of resistance in certain pest populations over time, as those unable to resist the toxins may die off, leaving behind those pests that have mutations allowing them to survive the toxins.
The other options are less likely impacts based on the information provided:
- A. The carbon dioxide level would increase in the area is not directly related to the introduction of toxin-producing plant traits.
- B. The concentration of pesticides in a nearby lake would increase is unlikely, as the plant is designed to reduce the need for external pesticide applications.
- D. Bird and butterfly populations around the area may increase is not a guaranteed outcome; the impact could vary, especially if the toxins affect non-target species.