Which action an example of genetic modification (creating GMOs)?(1 point) Responses making crops that are resistant to pesticides and insects making crops that are resistant to pesticides and insects raising animals via animal husbandry for food purposes raising animals via animal husbandry for food purposes selecting fruit that is fleshy with small seeds and planting those the following season selecting fruit that is fleshy with small seeds and planting those the following season breeding dogs for specific traits like size, coat color, and temperament

Question

Imagine you are a scientist observing rats in the wild. As the rats reproduce, rats born with white fur slowly begin to outnumber rats with black fur. In three to five sentences, provide two or more different explanations of why the rats with white fur might be outnumbering the rats with black fur.(4 points)

Pretend you are a scientist observing three different varieties of a single bird species that are part of the same population. In three to five sentences, describe what genetic variations exist in your population. Then, using reasoning skills and mock evidence from your observations, describe the impact these traits have on the birds’ relationships with their environment and predators.(4 points)

Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of selective breeding versus genetic modification. Why might a person choose to use selective breeding over genetic modification? Why might a person choose to create a GMO over a selectively bred organism? Use three to five sentences to formulate your argument.(4 points)

Answer 1

Example of Genetic Modification

The action that is an example of genetic modification (creating GMOs) is making crops that are resistant to pesticides and insects. This involves altering the genetic makeup of the plants to enhance their resistance to pests and herbicides, which is different from traditional farming practices such as animal husbandry or selective breeding, which do not involve direct manipulation of an organism's DNA.

Observations of Rats in the Wild

The increase in the population of rats with white fur compared to those with black fur could be attributed to camouflage and environmental factors. For instance, if the habitat consists mainly of light-colored soil or vegetation, white-furred rats may have a survival advantage, helping them evade predators more effectively than their black-furred counterparts. Additionally, if there is a food source that favors lighter fur or if predators have a preference for darker targets, the white rats may be better suited to their environment and thus reproduce more successfully.

Genetic Variations in Birds

In the observed population of the bird species, there are three genetic variations: feather color (ranging from bright red, dull brown, and a mixed pattern), beak shape (short, long, and curved), and song type (melodic, simple, and complex). These variations have significant impacts on how these birds interact with their environment and predators. For example, bright red birds may attract more mates but also more predators, while dull brown birds may blend into the environment, providing them with better camouflage from predators. Additionally, birds with complex songs may be more successful in attracting mates but may also draw attention to themselves from predators.

Selective Breeding vs. Genetic Modification

Selective breeding offers the advantage of being a more traditional method that relies on natural reproduction, which may be viewed as more ethical by some individuals. It allows for the gradual development of desired traits but may take longer and be less precise compared to genetic modification. On the other hand, genetic modification can result in more predictable changes, enabling scientists and farmers to introduce desirable traits into organisms quickly and effectively. A person might choose selective breeding for reasons rooted in conservation ethics or consumer preferences for "natural" foods, whereas genetic modification may be preferred for its precision and efficiency, particularly in addressing specific agricultural challenges such as pest resistance or drought tolerance.