What role does genetic modification play in agriculture?

Genetic modification plays a critical role in agriculture primarily by improving crop yield and enhancing environmental adaptability. This involves the alteration of an organism's DNA to express desirable traits, such as resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses like drought or salinity. By introducing or enhancing these traits, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can produce higher yields compared to non-modified crops under various conditions.

This improved adaptability not only helps in increasing food production to meet global demands but also contributes to sustainable farming practices as crops that are more resilient may require fewer inputs such as water and pesticides. Consequently, this advancement can lead to better food security and the ability to grow crops in less-than-ideal soil or climate conditions, which is increasingly important in the face of climate change.

The other options, while they touch on relevant themes in agriculture, do not accurately reflect the primary benefits associated with genetic modification. Reducing land required for farming can be a consequence of improved yields, but it is not a direct role of genetic modification itself. Increasing reliance on chemical fertilizers contradicts the potential for GMOs to reduce the need for such inputs by creating crops that are better at utilizing nutrients. Decreasing the nutritional value of crops is not a goal of genetic modification; in fact,