GM crops might have unforeseen effects on:

GM crops might have unforeseen effects on:

• A. Beneficial insects only
• B. Non-target organisms
• C. Soil texture only
• D. Human taste preferences

Answer: (B)

Introducing GM crops brings new traits into ecosystems, so their effects can extend beyond the intended target and touch a wide range of organisms that interact with the crop. Non-target organisms include beneficial insects, other insects, soil microbes, aquatic organisms, and even organisms in nearby environments. Because ecosystems are interconnected, changes in plant chemistry, pollen exposure, or crop residues can ripple through food webs and produce unforeseen impacts on these non-target organisms. This broader possibility makes the idea of effects on non-target organisms the most accurate choice. Saying effects occur only on beneficial insects is too narrow, since many kinds of non-target organisms could be affected. Soil texture isn’t a typical outcome of GM traits, which act through molecular and ecological interactions rather than changing physical soil properties. Human taste preferences relate to consumer perception and behavior rather than direct ecological or biological effects in ecosystems.

Introducing GM crops brings new traits into ecosystems, so their effects can extend beyond the intended target and touch a wide range of organisms that interact with the crop. Non-target organisms include beneficial insects, other insects, soil microbes, aquatic organisms, and even organisms in nearby environments. Because ecosystems are interconnected, changes in plant chemistry, pollen exposure, or crop residues can ripple through food webs and produce unforeseen impacts on these non-target organisms. This broader possibility makes the idea of effects on non-target organisms the most accurate choice.

Saying effects occur only on beneficial insects is too narrow, since many kinds of non-target organisms could be affected. Soil texture isn’t a typical outcome of GM traits, which act through molecular and ecological interactions rather than changing physical soil properties. Human taste preferences relate to consumer perception and behavior rather than direct ecological or biological effects in ecosystems.