The line graph illustrates the fluctuating use of three herbicide-tolerant (HT) genetically modified crops in the United States between 1997 and 2016.

Question

Genetically Modified Crops in the U.S.

Based on the information in the graph, which of the following changes most likely occurred on U.S. farms during that period?
A.Reduced herbicide application on soybean fields.
B.Reduced nutritional content in the average ear of corn.
C.Reduced presence of weeds in cotton fields.
D.Reduced overall market value of soybean crops.

Answer 1

Based on the information in the graph regarding the fluctuating use of herbicide-tolerant (HT) genetically modified crops in the United States, the most likely change that occurred on U.S. farms during that period is:

C. Reduced presence of weeds in cotton fields.

This is because the introduction and increased use of herbicide-tolerant crops are associated with decreased weed populations due to targeted herbicide application, leading to a more effective control of weeds. The other options do not directly correlate with the information normally illustrated in such a graph.