Biology
Chemistry
AP Chemistry
English
AP English Literature
6
1
Zack Andre
11/24/2025
Environmental Science
Student Exploration: GMOs and the Environment Answer Key.pdf
283
•
Nov 24, 2025
•
Zack Andre
@zackandre26
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are revolutionizing agriculture, but their impact... Show more
Ever wonder how farmers protect their crops from pests? GMOs offer a high-tech solution. Genetically modified crops can be engineered to resist insects and tolerate herbicides, potentially allowing farmers to grow more food with fewer chemicals.
When comparing regular corn fields with those treated with pesticides, you can see dramatic differences. Untreated corn grows naturally but may suffer from pest damage, while chemically-treated fields show mixed results - some plants thrive while others appear damaged or stunted.
The relationship between pesticides and crop health isn't straightforward. Excessive chemical use doesn't always translate to healthier plants. In fact, some pesticides might harm the very crops they're meant to protect if used incorrectly.
Did You Know? A single hectare of farmland (about the size of two football fields) typically grows around 75,000 corn plants. That's a lot of potential corn chips!
Finding the perfect balance of pest control methods is like solving a puzzle. With standard corn, even heavy insecticide application only produces yields of about 9.8 tons per hectare, and adding herbicides doesn't necessarily help.
Each type of genetically modified corn responds differently to chemical treatments. For example, herbicide-resistant corn can reach yields of 13.8 tons when treated with herbicides, while corn with both caterpillar resistance and herbicide tolerance achieves the highest yields at 14.3 tons.
Interestingly, using caterpillar-resistant corn still benefits from some insecticide application. This suggests that while the genetic modification helps against certain pests, other insects might still damage the crops.
Try This: Challenge yourself to find the minimum amount of chemicals needed to get a good yield. The best farming practices balance maximum production with minimum environmental impact!
Through experimentation, you can discover the perfect recipe for high corn yields. For herbicide-resistant corn, about 300 L/ha of herbicide combined with 180 L/ha of insecticide produces around 13.8 tons of corn per hectare.
When using caterpillar-resistant corn, you can achieve decent yields of 10.3 tons even with reduced insecticide levels . This shows how genetic modifications can help reduce chemical dependence while maintaining productivity.
The most efficient approach combines both resistance types - corn with both caterpillar and herbicide resistance produces 14.3 tons with 270 L/ha of herbicide and 160 L/ha of insecticide. This dual-protection strategy maximizes yield by defending against multiple threats simultaneously.
Smart Farming Tip: The relationship between insecticide application and yield isn't always linear - sometimes a moderate amount works just as well as the maximum dose. Finding this "sweet spot" saves money and reduces environmental impact!
What happens when we use GMOs year after year? This question matters because farming isn't a one-season event. When tracking different corn types over multiple growing seasons, initial yields vary significantly - from 7.6 tons for regular corn to 10.2 tons for corn with dual resistance.
One critical concern is how crop yields might change over time. While GMO crops might produce impressive results initially, there's the possibility that their effectiveness could decrease as pests adapt to the genetic modifications.
The dual-resistance corn (caterpillar and herbicide resistance) appears to offer the best balance of yield and protection. This suggests that comprehensive genetic modifications addressing multiple vulnerabilities provide more sustainable benefits over time.
Long-Term Thinking: The most successful agricultural strategies consider not just this year's harvest but how farming practices will affect crops and the environment for many years to come.
Nature adapts in surprising ways! When caterpillar and herbicide-resistant corn is grown continuously for 30 years with heavy herbicide application, something unexpected happens - the caterpillar population begins to increase over time, leading to more crop damage.
This occurs because the caterpillars are evolving tolerance to the insect-resistant corn. The proteins that originally killed these pests no longer affect their descendants, who have adapted through natural selection. This evolutionary arms race highlights a major challenge with GMO technology.
A clever solution is the "refuge field" - a separate area planted with non-GMO corn. This allows non-resistant caterpillars to survive, which slows down the development of resistance in the overall pest population. When implemented, the caterpillar population remains more stable over time.
Evolution in Action: The need to continually develop new GMO varieties demonstrates how quickly pests can adapt to our technological solutions - a perfect real-world example of evolution through natural selection!
Beyond the cornfield, our farming choices affect entire ecosystems. The stream next to the simulated farm field initially contains 54 different species, including fish, turtles, crayfish, and frogs - showing a healthy, diverse ecosystem.
When farming without pesticides, this stream ecosystem remains stable over time. The natural balance of species continues without disruption, suggesting that low-intervention farming practices can coexist with healthy local environments.
However, when maximum levels of herbicides and insecticides are applied to the fields, the stream ecosystem suffers dramatically. The number of species decreases significantly as chemicals run off into the water, harming sensitive aquatic organisms and disrupting the food web.
Watershed Moment: What happens on farms doesn't stay on farms! Chemical runoff from agricultural fields is one of the leading causes of water pollution in many farming regions, affecting wildlife miles downstream.
Finding the sweet spot between productive farming and environmental stewardship is possible with careful planning. By using caterpillar-resistant corn with a refuge field and moderate chemical application , you can maintain decent yields (7.1 tons) while preserving at least 35 species in the stream.
For even better environmental outcomes, corn with both resistance traits, minimal chemical use , and a refuge field can achieve nearly 10 tons of yield while protecting over 50 stream species. This represents a truly sustainable approach to modern farming.
The benefits of GM corn include higher quality crops and potentially reduced greenhouse gas emissions (by requiring less tilling and fuel use). However, these must be weighed against potential ecosystem disruption when GM technologies are misused or overused.
The Bigger Picture: Sustainable agriculture isn't about eliminating technology or chemicals completely—it's about using them wisely. The best farmers are also conservationists, protecting the land that feeds us all.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Zack Andre
@zackandre26
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are revolutionizing agriculture, but their impact goes beyond just crop yields. This exploration examines how GMO corn affects both farming productivity and environmental health, revealing the complex trade-offs between maximizing harvests and protecting ecosystems.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Ever wonder how farmers protect their crops from pests? GMOs offer a high-tech solution. Genetically modified crops can be engineered to resist insects and tolerate herbicides, potentially allowing farmers to grow more food with fewer chemicals.
When comparing regular corn fields with those treated with pesticides, you can see dramatic differences. Untreated corn grows naturally but may suffer from pest damage, while chemically-treated fields show mixed results - some plants thrive while others appear damaged or stunted.
The relationship between pesticides and crop health isn't straightforward. Excessive chemical use doesn't always translate to healthier plants. In fact, some pesticides might harm the very crops they're meant to protect if used incorrectly.
Did You Know? A single hectare of farmland (about the size of two football fields) typically grows around 75,000 corn plants. That's a lot of potential corn chips!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Finding the perfect balance of pest control methods is like solving a puzzle. With standard corn, even heavy insecticide application only produces yields of about 9.8 tons per hectare, and adding herbicides doesn't necessarily help.
Each type of genetically modified corn responds differently to chemical treatments. For example, herbicide-resistant corn can reach yields of 13.8 tons when treated with herbicides, while corn with both caterpillar resistance and herbicide tolerance achieves the highest yields at 14.3 tons.
Interestingly, using caterpillar-resistant corn still benefits from some insecticide application. This suggests that while the genetic modification helps against certain pests, other insects might still damage the crops.
Try This: Challenge yourself to find the minimum amount of chemicals needed to get a good yield. The best farming practices balance maximum production with minimum environmental impact!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Through experimentation, you can discover the perfect recipe for high corn yields. For herbicide-resistant corn, about 300 L/ha of herbicide combined with 180 L/ha of insecticide produces around 13.8 tons of corn per hectare.
When using caterpillar-resistant corn, you can achieve decent yields of 10.3 tons even with reduced insecticide levels . This shows how genetic modifications can help reduce chemical dependence while maintaining productivity.
The most efficient approach combines both resistance types - corn with both caterpillar and herbicide resistance produces 14.3 tons with 270 L/ha of herbicide and 160 L/ha of insecticide. This dual-protection strategy maximizes yield by defending against multiple threats simultaneously.
Smart Farming Tip: The relationship between insecticide application and yield isn't always linear - sometimes a moderate amount works just as well as the maximum dose. Finding this "sweet spot" saves money and reduces environmental impact!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
What happens when we use GMOs year after year? This question matters because farming isn't a one-season event. When tracking different corn types over multiple growing seasons, initial yields vary significantly - from 7.6 tons for regular corn to 10.2 tons for corn with dual resistance.
One critical concern is how crop yields might change over time. While GMO crops might produce impressive results initially, there's the possibility that their effectiveness could decrease as pests adapt to the genetic modifications.
The dual-resistance corn (caterpillar and herbicide resistance) appears to offer the best balance of yield and protection. This suggests that comprehensive genetic modifications addressing multiple vulnerabilities provide more sustainable benefits over time.
Long-Term Thinking: The most successful agricultural strategies consider not just this year's harvest but how farming practices will affect crops and the environment for many years to come.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Nature adapts in surprising ways! When caterpillar and herbicide-resistant corn is grown continuously for 30 years with heavy herbicide application, something unexpected happens - the caterpillar population begins to increase over time, leading to more crop damage.
This occurs because the caterpillars are evolving tolerance to the insect-resistant corn. The proteins that originally killed these pests no longer affect their descendants, who have adapted through natural selection. This evolutionary arms race highlights a major challenge with GMO technology.
A clever solution is the "refuge field" - a separate area planted with non-GMO corn. This allows non-resistant caterpillars to survive, which slows down the development of resistance in the overall pest population. When implemented, the caterpillar population remains more stable over time.
Evolution in Action: The need to continually develop new GMO varieties demonstrates how quickly pests can adapt to our technological solutions - a perfect real-world example of evolution through natural selection!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Beyond the cornfield, our farming choices affect entire ecosystems. The stream next to the simulated farm field initially contains 54 different species, including fish, turtles, crayfish, and frogs - showing a healthy, diverse ecosystem.
When farming without pesticides, this stream ecosystem remains stable over time. The natural balance of species continues without disruption, suggesting that low-intervention farming practices can coexist with healthy local environments.
However, when maximum levels of herbicides and insecticides are applied to the fields, the stream ecosystem suffers dramatically. The number of species decreases significantly as chemicals run off into the water, harming sensitive aquatic organisms and disrupting the food web.
Watershed Moment: What happens on farms doesn't stay on farms! Chemical runoff from agricultural fields is one of the leading causes of water pollution in many farming regions, affecting wildlife miles downstream.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Finding the sweet spot between productive farming and environmental stewardship is possible with careful planning. By using caterpillar-resistant corn with a refuge field and moderate chemical application , you can maintain decent yields (7.1 tons) while preserving at least 35 species in the stream.
For even better environmental outcomes, corn with both resistance traits, minimal chemical use , and a refuge field can achieve nearly 10 tons of yield while protecting over 50 stream species. This represents a truly sustainable approach to modern farming.
The benefits of GM corn include higher quality crops and potentially reduced greenhouse gas emissions (by requiring less tilling and fuel use). However, these must be weighed against potential ecosystem disruption when GM technologies are misused or overused.
The Bigger Picture: Sustainable agriculture isn't about eliminating technology or chemicals completely—it's about using them wisely. The best farmers are also conservationists, protecting the land that feeds us all.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
