lesson
Different methods change inherited outcomes differently
1 · Learn
Selective breeding chooses parents with desired characteristics over generations. Gene technology can alter or transfer genetic material more directly using specific techniques. Both require attention to evidence, unintended effects and ethical questions.
A desired trait does not guarantee every other outcome is beneficial. Reduced genetic diversity, welfare, environmental effects and access can be relevant considerations depending on the application.
2 · Worked example
Selecting only a narrow breeding group can increase a desired trait while reducing diversity. That trade-off needs evidence-based evaluation rather than a universal claim that all applications are good or bad.
3 · Your turn
How does selective breeding differ from directly altering genetic material?
Check your answer
It chooses existing parents and inherited variants over generations rather than directly editing or transferring DNA in the same way.
4 · Apply your learning
Evaluate a hypothetical crop proposal using benefits, uncertainties and affected groups, without proposing an unsupervised experiment.
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Check a calculation · Year 5 onward
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Powers, roots and trigonometry · Year 7 onward
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