Evaluate the economic feasibility and profitability of genetically engineering agricultural species.

Evaluation could address

• animal speciesa comparison between the economics of production for food and research (i.e., transgenic livestock for biopharmaceutical production) using genetically modified (GMO) or transgenic animals vs. livestock breeds that have not been genetically modified or engineered
• plant speciesa comparison between the economics of production using GMO or transgenic seed or plants vs. using hybrid, organic, or Heirloom seeds or plants
• inputs (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, feedstuffs)
• effects
  • improved disease resistance in animals and plants
  • increased drought tolerance of plants
  • increased crop yield and productivity
  • improved growth rates in plants and animals
  • enhanced quality of commodities
  • improved use of scarce resources
  • increased food supply abundance, affordability, and variety
• externalities (e.g., pollution, emerging diseases).

Process/Skill Questions:

• What are the positive and negative effects of the use of animal biotechnology on society?
• How has the use of animals in biotechnology increased the understanding of human diseases?
• How are niche markets affected by genetic engineering?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using genetically engineered species in the AFNR industry?
• What are effects of developing genetically modified animals that synthesize therapeutic proteins?