Which environmental issue is associated with agricultural biotechnology?

Which environmental issue is associated with agricultural biotechnology?

• A. Weeds may hybridize with herbicide-resistant crops, becoming resistant themselves.
• B. Weeds do not interact with crops.
• C. Soil fertility is never affected.
• D. Pesticide use eliminates all weeds permanently.

Answer: (A)

Gene flow and the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds are key environmental concerns tied to agricultural biotechnology. When a weed crosses with a herbicide-resistant crop, it can inherit that resistance. The resulting resistant weeds survive herbicide applications and become harder to control, potentially spreading and altering ecosystems. That scenario captures how biotechnology can indirectly change the environment by shifting weed populations. The other statements aren’t accurate: weeds do interact with crops and compete for resources; soil fertility can be affected by many factors, not never; and pesticides rarely eliminate all weeds permanently, as resistance and surviving individuals can persist.

Gene flow and the emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds are key environmental concerns tied to agricultural biotechnology. When a weed crosses with a herbicide-resistant crop, it can inherit that resistance. The resulting resistant weeds survive herbicide applications and become harder to control, potentially spreading and altering ecosystems. That scenario captures how biotechnology can indirectly change the environment by shifting weed populations. The other statements aren’t accurate: weeds do interact with crops and compete for resources; soil fertility can be affected by many factors, not never; and pesticides rarely eliminate all weeds permanently, as resistance and surviving individuals can persist.