Question

compare and contrast genetic engineering to the process of natural selection. select all statements that are true.
by selecting the genetic information that is passed on to future generations, genetic engineering is similar to natural selection.
unlike natural selection, genetic engineering selects the organisms most beneficial to the environment.
by selecting the genetic information that is passed on to future generations, genetic engineering can happen at a different rate than natural selection.
like natural selection, genetic engineering may be used on all organisms, including humans.
the effects of genetic engineering apply only to the organism selected, but natural selection affects the entire population.
retry

Explanation:

• First statement: Both genetic engineering and natural selection involve selection of genetic info passed to future gens.
• Second statement: Natural selection selects organisms beneficial to environment (survival of fittest), genetic engineering selects based on human - desired traits (not necessarily environmental benefit).
• Third statement: Genetic engineering can be rapid (e.g., lab - based gene insertion), natural selection is slow (over generations).
• Fourth statement: Natural selection acts on all organisms (including humans, e.g., resistance to diseases), genetic engineering on humans has ethical and technical limitations but in theory can be used.
• Fifth statement: Genetic engineering can target specific organism (e.g., a single plant), natural selection acts on population (as traits spread or die out in a group).

Answer:

• A. By selecting the genetic information that is passed on to future generations, genetic engineering is similar to natural selection.
• C. By selecting the genetic information that is passed on to future generations, genetic engineering can happen at a different rate than natural selection.
• D. Like natural selection, genetic engineering may be used on all organisms, including humans.
• E. The effects of genetic engineering apply only to the organism selected, but natural selection affects the entire population.