GMOs Flashcards
what does GMO stand for
genetically modified organism
what can some agricultural areas do
some agricultural areas can adapt to benefit from climate change, while others must adjust their farming practices to new conditions
what must the southwest region of WA do
needs to adjust to the increase in extreme weather events
why are genetically modified (GM) species being used for
GM are being used around the world to cope with changing climate conditions
how long have GM been used for
GM crops have been widely used since the 1990s, with much research into their safety and viability
why were GM created
GM crops were created to resist insect damage, herbicide tolerance, viruses and disease that can affect plants, heat, drought, salt, weather extremes
what are the most genetically modified crops
Maize, canola, soybean, and cotton
how do GM crops work
genetic modification involves transferring individual genes with specific desirable traits from one organism to another
explain wheat in terms of GM
wheat is the most grown crop globally, and its genome was sequenced successfully in 2018
changes to wheat varieties have made them more resistant to severe weather and disease
explain rice in terms of GM
rice is another key food staple, making up approximately 20% of calories consumed around the world
ten countries grow 85% of the worlds rice, including Bangladesh, China and India
changes to rice varieties have made them more resistant to severe weather and disease
what is flood-tolerant rice
flood-tolerant ‘scuba rice’ and drought-tolerant rice varieties are being developed to combat the effects of climate change
benefits of GM
GM crops have increased yields for farmers globally and have been credited with improving agriculture practices such as soil conservation and reduced use of pesticides
investment in GM seeds has a higher return on income for farmers compared to non-modified seeds and can lift farmers out of poverty
negatives of GM
opponents of GM crops raise concerns about safety for consumption, gene transfer, and cross-pollination of organic crops, as well as rising seed costs and dependency on multinational seed companies
some countries, including many European Union, have banned the use of GM crops
how much is the demand for livestock expected to rise
livestock demand is expected to double by 2050 due to an increase in standards of living and disposable income
what will climate change affect in terms of livestock
climate change will affect the quality of feed crop, water availability, and animal and milk production
