In conservation biology, which of the following is a concern associated with cultivating genetically modified (GM) plants?

• A. All GM crops require substantially more pesticide use than non-GM crops, causing unavoidable ecosystem collapse.
• B. Transgenes may spread to wild relatives via pollen flow, potentially creating more competitive hybrids and altering native plant communities.
• C. GM plants cannot reproduce sexually, so they inevitably reduce plant genetic diversity through sterility.
• D. GM plants always have lower nutritional value than non-GM plants, leading to reduced primary productivity in ecosystems.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of genetically modified (GM) plants and their role in conservation biology, focusing on how they interact with natural ecosystems.
2. Recognize that one major concern in conservation biology is gene flow, which is the transfer of genetic material from GM plants to wild relatives through pollen dispersal.
3. Analyze the potential ecological impact of this gene flow, such as the creation of hybrids that may be more competitive than native plants, potentially disrupting native plant communities and biodiversity.
4. Evaluate the other options by considering scientific evidence: GM crops do not universally require more pesticides, can reproduce sexually unless specifically engineered otherwise, and do not always have lower nutritional value.
5. Conclude that the primary conservation concern is the unintended spread of transgenes to wild populations, which can alter ecosystem dynamics and threaten native species.