What are genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

Genetically modified organisms, commonly referred to as GMOs, are organisms whose genetic material has been altered through biotechnology to achieve desired characteristics that would not occur naturally through selective breeding. This modification often includes the introduction of specific genes that confer beneficial traits, such as increased resistance to pests or diseases, improved nutritional content, or enhanced adaptability to environmental conditions.

The significance of GMOs lies in their ability to provide agricultural benefits, such as higher yields and reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, which can contribute to more sustainable farming practices. They are widely used in crops like corn and soybeans, where traits such as herbicide resistance or insect tolerance have been engineered.

Other options do not accurately capture the essence of GMOs. For instance, while plants grown without fertilizers can exhibit sustainable agricultural practices, they are not inherently genetically modified. Similarly, natural hybrids of different species result from traditional breeding methods rather than genetic modifications, and animals bred for specific agricultural purposes do not necessarily involve altering their genetic material in the biotechnology sense. Thus, the definition provided through the correct option encompasses the core concept of GMOs in the context of agritechnology.