"Eating genetically altered or scientifically created fish (salmon) is safe & healthy for human consumption" is a good CLAIM for the article: "Say No to Genetically Engineered Salmon?"

9 answers

Yes, the statement "Eating genetically altered or scientifically created fish (salmon) is safe & healthy for human consumption" could serve as a strong counterclaim to the article titled "Say No to Genetically Engineered Salmon?" This counterclaim posits that there are benefits to consuming genetically engineered salmon, which could be based on claims of safety backed by scientific studies, nutritional advantages, or sustainability factors.

To effectively support this claim, the article could reference:

  1. Scientific Studies: Research that demonstrates the safety of genetically engineered salmon for human consumption.

  2. Regulatory Approval: Information about endorsements or approvals from health and food safety authorities, like the FDA or EFSA, asserting that these fish have been rigorously tested.

  3. Nutritional Benefits: Insights into how genetically engineered salmon might provide better nutritional profiles compared to traditional salmon.

  4. Environmental Impact: Arguments about how genetically engineered salmon could contribute to sustainable fishing practices and reduce overfishing.

In contrast, the original article may focus on potential risks or ethical concerns regarding genetically engineered salmon. Therefore, the claim about safety and health serves as a valid and potentially compelling argument against the criticisms posed in the article.

Is it true or false?

Whether the claim "Eating genetically altered or scientifically created fish (salmon) is safe & healthy for human consumption" is true or false is complex and can depend on various factors, including individual perspectives, the specific science involved, and regulatory views.

True:

  • Many regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have stated that genetically engineered salmon (such as AquAdvantage salmon) is safe for human consumption based on scientific studies.
  • Proponents argue that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be safe and even offer health benefits.

False:

  • Critics of genetically engineered foods often raise concerns about potential long-term health effects that may not yet be fully understood.
  • There are ethical and environmental considerations, as well as public hesitation about consuming genetically modified organisms.

In summary, the claim can be considered true based on regulatory approval and scientific research affirming safety. However, it is essential to recognize that there is significant public debate and differing opinions on the matter, making it a nuanced issue rather than an absolute truth or falsehood.

Which piece of evidence BEST supports the author's claim in the article "Genetically Modified Salmon Can Feed the World?"

(1 point)
Responses

Genetically engineered salmon is a "Frankenfish" and might turn you into a monster!
Genetically engineered salmon is a "Frankenfish" and might turn you into a monster!

If used carefully, genetic engineering can produce fish that reach the market much faster such as AquAdvantage Salmon states, and use less feed (fish meal.)
If used carefully, genetic engineering can produce fish that reach the market much faster such as AquAdvantage Salmon states, and use less feed (fish meal.)

Allowing the AquAdvantage Salmon into our streams and rivers will not harm the natural fish population.
Allowing the AquAdvantage Salmon into our streams and rivers will not harm the natural fish population.

Genetically altered salmon is bad for human health, as it contains more chemicals than wild salmon, and it is bad for the environment, as the genetically altered fish are raised in overcrowded, netted ocean pens.

The piece of evidence that BEST supports the author's claim in the article "Genetically Modified Salmon Can Feed the World" is:

"If used carefully, genetic engineering can produce fish that reach the market much faster such as AquAdvantage Salmon states, and use less feed (fish meal.)"

This statement highlights the potential benefits of genetically engineered salmon, specifically addressing efficiency in production and sustainability, which aligns with the claim of the article that such modifications can help meet food demands and contribute to feeding the world. The other options either present negative perspectives or concerns that undermine the argument for genetically modified salmon.

Which piece of evidence BEST supports the author's claim in the article "Genetically Modified Salmon Can Feed the World?"
(1 point)
Responses

Genetically engineered salmon is a "Frankenfish" and might turn you into a monster!
Genetically engineered salmon is a "Frankenfish" and might turn you into a monster!

If used carefully, genetic engineering can produce fish that reach the market much faster such as AquAdvantage Salmon states, and use less feed (fish meal.)
If used carefully, genetic engineering can produce fish that reach the market much faster such as AquAdvantage Salmon states, and use less feed (fish meal.)

Allowing the AquAdvantage Salmon into our streams and rivers will not harm the natural fish population.
Allowing the AquAdvantage Salmon into our streams and rivers will not harm the natural fish population.

Genetically altered salmon is bad for human health, as it contains more chemicals than wild salmon, and it is bad for the environment, as the genetically altered fish are raised in overcrowded, netted ocean pens.

The piece of evidence that BEST supports the author's claim in the article "Genetically Modified Salmon Can Feed the World" is:

"If used carefully, genetic engineering can produce fish that reach the market much faster such as AquAdvantage Salmon states, and use less feed (fish meal.)"

This statement highlights the advantages of genetic engineering in food production, emphasizing its potential to increase efficiency and sustainability—key points that likely align with the author's argument in favor of genetically modified salmon. The other options either present criticisms or negative views that do not support the claim that GM salmon can help feed the world.

Saving Killer Whales
Have you ever heard of an orca? Orcas are mammals that live in oceans. They are black and white. They grow almost as big as a school bus! Orcas are sometimes called killer whales. But they aren’t actually whales. Instead, they are the largest type of dolphin.

Orcas live in oceans all over the world. They live in groups called pods. Sometimes pods of orcas work together to hunt for food.

The orcas in each pod can talk with one another underwater. They do this by using clicks and other sounds. This helps them hunt together! Orcas eat different kinds of food. What they eat depends on which animals live near them. Some orcas eat seals and other mammals. Some orcas eat only fish.

One special group of orcas is in trouble. This group of orcas is called Southern Resident orcas. They live in the Salish Sea, which is in the U.S. state of Washington and Canada. They are in danger of becoming extinct. That means there would be no more of these orcas left on Earth.

People are worried about the Southern Resident orcas. They studied why there are fewer of them. One reason is that there was not enough food for the orcas. These orcas only eat fish like salmon. But the number of wild salmon is going down. This makes it harder for orcas to get enough food to feed their babies and themselves.

Now, people are trying to help these orcas. People are working to make sure there is plenty of salmon in the Salish Sea for the orcas to eat.

ReadWorks.org © 2022 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

Question 1
Answer Items 5 & 6 based upon the passage, "Saving Killer Whales" included above:
Item 5: What is the central idea of this passage?

(2 points)
Responses

Whales and what they eat
Whales and what they eat

How orcas live and dangers to them
How orcas live and dangers to them

Different kinds of sharks and their prey
Different kinds of sharks and their prey

Dolphins who work together
Dolphins who work together
Question 2
Which would be the best summary of the passage, "Saving Killer Whales"?(2 points)
Responses

The Southern Resident orca is in danger for several reasons and will be extinct if they don't get more food to eat. The salmon in their area isn't as plentiful as it once was. More people should get involved with helping to save them so they aren't eliminated from the Earth.
The Southern Resident orca is in danger for several reasons and will be extinct if they don't get more food to eat. The salmon in their area isn't as plentiful as it once was. More people should get involved with helping to save them so they aren't eliminated from the Earth.

Orcas, sometimes called killer whales, are actually the largest type of dolphin. They typically live in pods and eat depending food sources in their areas. They hunt together in their pods by making clicking sounds to communicate. One type of orca is in danger of extinction due to a decrease in their salmon food source, and people are working to help save them.
Orcas, sometimes called killer whales, are actually the largest type of dolphin. They typically live in pods and eat depending food sources in their areas. They hunt together in their pods by making clicking sounds to communicate. One type of orca is in danger of extinction due to a decrease in their salmon food source, and people are working to help save them.

The Salish Sea is in Washington State and Canada. This area has a decrease in salmon.
The Salish Sea is in Washington State and Canada. This area has a decrease in salmon.

All orcas will be extinct if action isn't taken.

Question 1: What is the central idea of this passage?

The best response is: How orcas live and dangers to them.

This choice encompasses the main points of the passage, discussing not just the behavior and characteristics of orcas, but also the specific dangers they face, particularly regarding the Southern Resident orcas and their declining food sources.


Question 2: Which would be the best summary of the passage, "Saving Killer Whales"?

The best response is: Orcas, sometimes called killer whales, are actually the largest type of dolphin. They typically live in pods and eat depending food sources in their areas. They hunt together in their pods by making clicking sounds to communicate. One type of orca is in danger of extinction due to a decrease in their salmon food source, and people are working to help save them.

This summary accurately captures the essential information about orcas and highlights the specific issue of the Southern Resident orcas, their food source, and the efforts being made to assist them.