Title: Describe how genetic modification is used in animal and plant breeding programs.
Course: Biological Applications in Agriculture (18308-I) > Section: Understanding Basic Genetics

Description should include

- an animal and plant breeding program's goal of producing the most desirable market product to meet the demands of the consumer
- genetic contribution toward the producer reaching this goal
- examples of breeding programs’ results, such as
  - dwarf crop breeds
  - increased milk production in cows
  - increased body mass in livestock
  - creation of exotic pets and designer breeds
  - crop resistance to insects, diseases, bacteria, and viruses
  - herbicide tolerance
  - increased nutritional value of food crops
  - production of medicines.

Process/Skill Questions:

- How has modern agriculture limited diversity in animal and plant breeding?
- What genetic traits are valued in animal breeding today? In plant breeding?
- What are some disadvantages of artificial selection/selective breeding?
- What are the advantages of dwarf crop breeds (e.g., corn, wheat)?