Tutorial 8-

EVOLUTION
AND THE
ENVIRONMEN
T

Done by:
Tanika Edwards-1047858
Otavia Chapman-1047777
What are GMOs?
GMOs are organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering
techniques. This manipulation involves the introduction of DNA from one species into
another to confer specific traits or characteristics.

Examples of GMOs

1. Roundup Ready Soybeans: These soybeans are genetically modified to be resistant to

the herbicide glyphosate, allowing farmers to control weeds without harming the crop.

2. Bt Corn (Bacillus thuringiensis)

: Bt corn is engineered to produce a protein toxic to certain insects, particularly the
European corn borer, providing built-in insect resistance to the crop.
History of GMOs
Humans have domesticated plants and animals since around 12,000 BCE, using selective
breeding or artificial selection.

1972: Paul Berg created the first recombinant DNA molecule when he combined DNA from
a monkey virus with that of the lambda virus.

1973: Biochemists Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen develop genetic engineering by
inserting DNA from one bacteria into another.

1982: FDA approves the first consumer GMO product developed through genetic
engineering: human insulin to treat diabetes.

1986: The federal government establishes the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of
Biotechnology. This policy describes how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
work together to regulate the safety of GMOs.
 Continuation
1992: FDA policy states that foods from GMO plants must meet the same requirements,
including the same safety standards, as foods derived from traditionally bred plants.

1994: The first GMO produce created through genetic engineering—a GMO
tomato—becomes available for sale after studies evaluated by federal agencies proved it to be
as safe as traditionally bred tomatoes.

1990s: The first wave of GMO produce created through genetic engineering becomes
available to consumers: summer squash, soybeans, cotton, corn, papayas, tomatoes, potatoes,
and canola. Not all are still available for sale.

2003: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) of the United Nations develop international guidelines and standards to determine the
safety of GMO foods.
How GMOs can affect evolutionary changes in the environment.

Possible risks of GMOs could include:

1. They create new or more vigorous pests and pathogens; intensifying the effects of
existing pests through hybridization with related transgenic organisms.

2. They cause harm to non target species, such as soil organisms, non-pest insects, birds,
and other animals.

3. Cause disruption of biotic communities, including agro- ecosystems.

4. Irreplaceable loss or changes in species diversity or genetic diversity within species

occurs.
 Advantages and disadvantages of GMOS

Advantages Disadvantages

Increased Crop Yields Potential Environmental Risks

Reduced Environmental Impact Socioeconomic Concerns

References

Genetically modified organisms. (n.d). Khan Academy.

https://
www.khanacademy.org/science/learn-to-clone-a-sheep-and-more/xb1ef3389afa1715a:biotechnology-and-its-applications/xb1ef33
89afa1715a:introduction/a/genetically-modified-organisms

Nutrition, C. F. F. S. a. A. (2024, March 5). Science and history of GMOs and other food
modification processes. U.S. Food And Drug Administration.
https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/science-and-
history-gmos-and-other-food-modification-
processes#:~:text=1973%3A%20Biochemists%20Herbert%20Boyer%20and,human%
20insulin%20to%20treat%20diabetes

Snow, A. A. S., Andow, D. A. A., Gepts, P. G., Hallerman, E. M. H., Power, A. P., Tiedje, J.
M. T., & Wolfenbarger, L. L. W. (2011, November, 1) . Genetically Engineered Organisms and the
Environment: Current status and recommendations. JSTOR.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/4543362