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There are multiple reasons as to why genetically engineered crops and foods are causing major issues within our environment. There are problems that result straight from the engineered traits themselves. Genetically engineered crops can become toxic or invasive to the wildlife and the environment. There are different types of altered crops that each pose different threats to the environment and its many species. When the genetically engineered crops are planted, there is always a risk that they will contaminate other plants. Genetic modification can also decrease the water requirements of cereal crops, as well as decrease the rate at which water is lost through transpiration. This could reduce the amount of water resources required in food production. Long term effects of this could include: harm to plants, insects, and animals and loss of biodiversity. There is also a major concern on how the newly created species of plants and crops are going to blend in with the rest of the environment. "We have seen the effects of chemical and nuclear contamination of the environment, and have real fears that biological contamination with newly minted organisms may be even more threatening to the natural order" (Garnham 1).
As previously stated, there are two prominent types of genetic engineering. The first type is herbicide resistant crops. The main goal in producing these particular crops is so that, "They can withstand spraying with herbicides" (Garnham 1). Although this seems like a positive discovery, there are many negative outcomes that could come from this as well. Farmers or other individuals who grow these types of crops, plant these so that they are able to withstand and tolerate its Roundup products. Unfortunately, several of the weed species have developed a special tolerance for this particular Roundup. This means that the farmers are beginning to use more toxic herbicides to keep these weeds under control.