Question

What are the ethical and ecological implications of introducing genetically modified crops?

Answer 1

ecologically, i assume that GM crops may actually survive in certain environments more so than the natural crop, and hence overpower the natural crop...leading to GM crop's dominance based upon survival rates

Answer 2

crossover between GM plants and compatible weed species could lead to unintended consequences- weeds that have insect resistance, or herbicide resistance

Answer 3

messing with Mother Nature...pesticides and allergies...possibly creating something you don't know how to fight.

Answer 4

a chromosonal genome? as opposed to a mitrochondrial (MedicineNet.com)....the article states that the fruitfly genome is closest to the human genome to help fight disease.

Answer 5

The mustard seed is supposed to be good for brain power and cholera only has 4,000 matches.

Answer 6

..same article on MedicineNet.com

Answer 7

GM crops can benefit the human population. Children in third-world countries go blind due to vitamin A deficiencies. A gene for the production of vitamin A can be inserted into a rice plant to produce "Golden Rice." This GM rice has improved the nutrition of thousands of humans. Other genes for herbicide resistance or insect resistance can be inserted into plants. Let's say that a gene for herbicide resistance is transferred to a nearby growing weed. We have just created a "super-weed" which is nearly impossible to control. Genes for insect resistance have also harmed butterfly populations. Some ethical issues surrounding GM crops involve the whole idea that humans shouldn't mess with nature. What we see as agricultural improvements could prove harmful in ways that we aren't yet aware of.