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GM Crops

GM (genetically modified) crops are plants that are altered on a molecular level in a laboratory. It has been shown that by modifying these plants that scientists have been able to change their natural nutritional, insecticide resistance and flavor properties to produce better crops.

A study conducted in 1999 showed that pollen from GM crops had caused unusually high mortality rates in Monarch butterfly caterpillars that had consumed pollen which had landed on nearby plants from wind pollination. Obviously, if there is an adverse effect on the Monarch butterfly population then the number of aphids will rise resulting in poorer crops.

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Scientists also fear that by modifying the genetics of the plant in order to produce B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis (a bacterium which produces crystal proteins that are lethal to insect larvae)) will only be effective for a certain amount of time, because pests will develop a resistance to the B.t; as mosquitos did to DDT.

Another concern is that plants that are modified for herbicide resistance will crossbreed with weeds to product weed variations that are also tolerant to herbicides. Studies have shown that where GM crops are planted in close proximity to non-GM crops that gene transfer does ...

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