Question

Which of the following statements about the impact of biotechnology on the environment is not true?
a.
Biotechnology can positively impact the environment through the use of organisms that degrade pollutants.
b.
Biotechnology use can lead to an increase in soil erosion and pollution runoff through decreased pesticide use.
c.
The use of biotechnology in agriculture can lead to a decrease in pesticide use, positively impacting the environment.
d.
Biotechnology can lead to greater competition among natural and genetically engineered organisms in an ecosystem.

Answer 1

Answer: b.

Reason: Decreased pesticide use generally reduces chemical runoff and often reduces the need for intensive tillage (e.g., herbicide-tolerant crops enable no‑till), which typically lowers soil erosion — so the claim that decreased pesticide use increases erosion and runoff is not true. Options a, c, and d describe real possible environmental effects of biotechnology.