Involves choosing parents with particular characteristics to breed together and produce offspring with more desirable characteristics. However, as selections are made the population of animals or plants can have similar genetics. This means that they will have the same strengths but also the same weaknesses. Infectious diseases is more likely to spread. It can also result in inbreeding and inbred populations are more likely to suffer from genetic conditions because they are more likely to inherit two copies of recessive gene variants.
High Yield Varieties
Crossbreeding involves taking two species with different characteristics and breeding them together. New varieties can be higher yielding, drought resistant and less susceptible to disease.
Genetic Engineering
Process of altering DNA in an organism to make changes to the characteristics of a plant or animal. Done in a lab. Used to engineer food, treatment for disease, chronic health conditions. There are strict laws on production and distribution of GM.
Hydroponics
Growing plants without soil, by using water based mineral nutrient solutions. They grow freely with their roots exposed to the nutritious liquid. It offers a higher yield and less water is needed. It also offers continuous production and requires less pesticides.
