The Role of Genetic Engineering on Biodiversity - Essay Example

Due Diminishing Diversity A Discussion on the Role of Genetic Engineering on Biodiversity Introduction Every single living thing on this planet is entirely unique from any other. No matter how similar things may seem or how much they share in common, no two things are exactly alike; not even identical twins are truly identical. That said, clearly nature has some investment in these “variations upon a theme” that form the biodiversity of life on the planet. However, current genetic engineering endeavors with grand goals and good intentions, offers a long list of potential approaches and applications to treat diseases, injuries, and the food production, both plant and livestock. It all seems very promising. But it comes with some very serious potential consequences and side effects. The most severe of which is the way that genetic engineering could contribute drastically to a decrease in biodiversity. This is a serious problem. Background In order to understand the issue better, it is necessary to understand a little more about biodiversity, its importance, and what genetic engineering actually is and how it could negatively impact nature. Biodiversity represents the uniqueness of every living thing. It is part of nature’s formula for allowing development of some traits and characteristics that are beneficial to a species survival, and weeding out those that are less desirable.(Cho) Biodiversity is essential to satisfy all of our basic needs, like food, water, fuel, shelter and medicines. The primary sources of most medicines are plants and animals. In fact, in the United States, of the 150 most commonly prescribed drugs, they all find their origin in the biodiversity of nature. Properly functioning ecosystems rely on pollination, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, water purification, seed dispersal, and control of agricultural pests. If biodiversity was compromised then these ecosystems would change drastically or fail all together.("American Museum of Natural History") Genetic engineering would allow scientists to act in the place of nature. They can decide what traits are most desirable according to their design. Genetic engineering is a broad label for a number of different applications, from altering seeds to cloning, all fall under the label of genetic engineering. However, there are presently laws that heavily regulate certain types of genetic engineering research that can be performed relating to human beings, but plants and animals are being regularly researched. The likely loss of biodiversity and how to prevent it is a very relevant concern when considering how to balance the issue. Solutions Currently many food crops are being genetically altered to resist attack from parasites and pesticides. These resistant crops could flourish in areas where other crops previously had not. In the article, Mourning the Increasing Loss of Biodiversity, Mahjula V. Guru and James E. Horne, explain that the cultivation of sustainable crops has been through the hard work of our farming ancestors, which relied on the diversity of the plants to develop their place in the given environment. Genetically altered plants eliminate that adaption to the environment. Also, they warn against “genetic pollution” which is the unknown effects of these altered plants upon the existing crops and wild plant life. A process called “Tilling” has been suggested as a viable alternative to genetically engineered plant life. “Tilling,” which stands for Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes, where plants are exposed to radiation and chemicals that, ultimately, caused the targeted genes to deactivate.("GMO Safety") The Bioplant company used this process to create amylose-free potatoes. This process had been in use for a long while and has been successful. However, because “Tilling” is not as finite and cannot offer the specificity that genetic engineering can; its efficiency, in the long term, is questioned. Then again, it may not be as efficient, but it has no effects, as far as we know, directly or indirectly on biodiversity. Similarly, the situation is very much the same in the case of genetically altered livestock, as well. Transgenic animals that breed into a population could completely eradicate “selective breeding,” and therefore limit diversity, leaving the population more susceptible to diseases. If such animals were to escape into nature they could become an enormous threat to existing wildlife and ecosystems as a whole. (Perzigian ) One suggestion to avoid the loss of biodiversity is by inducing random mutations into a certain percentage of the given population as a part of genetic engineering process, thusly attempting to guarantee diversity.(Page) This is, of course, is still a theoretical solution and requires further research to determine if that idea has the potential of success. Despite opposition and present legislation that limits the research to a certain point, genetic engineering will likely move forward. It is certainly not going to be abandoned when the positive implications are so vast. This, ultimately, negates the most certain solution to the issues of genetic engineering; which is simply not to do it. There are plenty of people, organizations, and researchers who would be pleased if the scientific community ceased all genetic engineering and left the concept behind in totality, be it for scientific, logical, environmental, ethical or moral reasoning. It would be unfair to blame genetic engineering for all the loss of biodiversity and damages done and yet to be done to the environment. After all humanity has dominated the planet and contributed to loss of ecosystems, the extinction of species, and depletion of resources in a plethora of ways; genetic engineering is only the most recent incarnation.(Roman, Ehrlich, Pringle, and Avise 51) In order to salvage biodiversity there are several suggestions that need to be encouraged. Firstly, is the creation of protected areas where human encroachment and contact would be limited. Secondly, to avoid species introductions, this includes, both, future engineered animals and non-indigenous species into ecosystems that they are not native to. Next, efforts must be made to slow the climate changes, which, humans are largely responsible for. Lastly, promoting sustainable agriculture, which is better for the environment as a whole over traditional grazing and cropping that often requires deforestation to accommodate it. (Perzigian ) There are, also, certain researchers that feel that the necessity of salvaging biodiversity is such an immediate concern that it needs to attended to on a national, international, and global level. The following list is designed to encourage practices that could help achieve, not only, successful biodiversity, but overall general environmental conservation. First, it is suggested that strategies are developed on a national level that gives everyone a plan that they can follow. Second, research into the loss of biodiversity needs to be implemented to really access how deeply the problem is becoming. Next, supports the formation of “Green Network Plan” that will help to cement new practices that will be beneficial. Fourth, they encourage the strengthening of conservation capacities and available funding dedicated to such projects. Lastly, there is a need more effective impact assessments being performed within the environments that are of immediate concern.(Guru, and Horne) Of all the different alternatives to genetic engineering none are necessarily the perfect solution. In fact, there is the possibility that the alternatives may carry with them a whole new and different set of consequences and side effects that may be just as damaging. It is a dangerous game to attempt to interfere in the whole of nature. It has taken it millions of years to perfect what it does and we presume to grasp and play with it as we see fit; this sounds like arrogance and a guaranteed recipe for unforeseen repercussions that could completely destroy the natural world as we know it. The wisest of all solutions would be to step away until the collateral damage can be identified, attended to, and resolved, before we start practicing the science. Conclusion Humans no longer adapt to their environment as the rest of nature must do, we adapt our environments to suit us. We no longer fight the elements daily or compete for food as a society. We have air conditioners and grocery stores. That said, the ability to supersede nature on a genetic level is just too tempting to the human ego. This is not to diminish the possible positive intended applications of genetic engineering, from ending world hunger, replenishing endangered species, restoring extinct species, or the curing of any number of terrible diseases. All of these goals are admirable and commendable. But this is an issue of “do he ends justify the means;” in this case the collateral damage may just be too high. In the end, the way to avoid biodiversity loss via genetic engineering is a matter of restraint, logic, and common sense. Knowing where and when to draw the line will be the key to the issue of genetic engineering practices. “We must form educated opinions, inspire legislation,"…and hope whatever direction bioengineering takes, is positive step towards decreased animal suffering, increased environmental sustainability, and overall compassionate regard for earth and its precious life.” (Perzigian ) Works Cited Cho, Renee. "What You Can Do to Protect Biodiversity." State of the Planet. The Earth Institute Columbia University, 30 2011. Web. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. . Guru, Mahjula V., and James E. Horne. "MOURNING THE INCREASING LOSS OF BIO-DIVERSITY." kercenter. kercenter, n.d. Web. 10 Nov 2012. . Page, J. Alden. "The Best Way to Handle Genetic Engineering and Cloning – Part II." Boldly Go!. Boldy Go!, 2009. Web. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. . Perzigian, Andrew B. "Animal Legal and Historical Center." Animal Legal and Historical Center. (2003): n. page. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. . Roman, J., P.R. Ehrlich, R. Pringle, and J.C. Avise. "Solutions." Solutions. 1.1 (2009): 50-61. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. . "Global Change Project." Paleontological Research Institute. Cornell University, n.d. Web. 10 Nov 2012.< http://www.priweb.org/globalchange/bioloss/bl_06.html>. "TILLING: The ‘good’ alternative to genetic engineering?." GMO Safety. Federal Ministry of Education and Research, 15 2010. Web. 10 Nov 2012. . "What is Biodiversity?." The American Museum of Natural History. AMNH, n.d. Web. 10 Nov 2012. . Read More