GMOs
Genetically Modified Organisms
Explanation
The Spread of Practical Use
Pros
-More economical
-Reduces the need for pesticides and herbicides
-Reduces the manpower needed for successful growth
-Improved shelf life
-Improved quality
-Engineered to resist weather fluctuations and extremes
-High content of specific nutrients (helps improve local diets in areas that are lacking in certain vitamins)
Cons
-Harms ecosystem by lowering biodiversity
-By removing the pest for one plant species, you could potentially remove the food source for another animal species
-Could be toxic to other organisms in the environment
-Since some GMOs are modified to resist bacteria and viruses, some people think that there will be newly evolved diseases as a result.
-Potential threat to human health
Breeding For Traits and Genetic Modification
Popularity
Practical Examples
-Frost-resistant strawberries
-Crops modified to grow in areas that don't support lots of plant life