Non-Target Species
When scientists develop genetically modified seeds, they intend to change the genes and traits of a specific crop. However, under certain circumstances, the alterations can affect other organisms that use these crops and plants to survive.
For example, it was recognized that the pollen from a form of genetically altered corn was killing monarch butterfly larvae. Eventually, it was determined that this Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn had a positive effect on the monarch butterfly population considering the reduced amount of utilized insecticides. These insecticides were killing more of the monarch butterfly larvae than the Bt corn was. |