Question

1. scientists have inserted a gene into a population of grasshoppers. this gene gives the grasshoppers immunity to a common pesticide. the gene was initially found in some pesticide - resistant cockroaches and was then inserted into the grasshopper population. which of the statements below best explains the impact of inserting the gene for pesticide immunity into the grasshopper population?

a. the grasshopper population will be more likely to survive a drought.
b. the grasshoppers will learn to feed in areas where no pesticides are being used.
c. the population of grasshoppers will be able to be sprayed with the pesticide and remain unaffected.
d. the grasshoppers will use more energy to resist the pesticide which will cause a decline in their population.

1. scientists frequently monitor levels of microorganisms at beaches in the summer time. high temperatures, pollution, runoff, and illegal dumping all affect water quality. what do these scientific efforts illustrate?

a. pollution can be eliminated through water testing.
b. high temperatures increase runoff from agricultural fields.
c. water testing identifies origination of illegal dumping.
d. monitoring water quality is important to public health.

1. by inserting a gene from a firefly into a plant, scientists have made a plant that glows in the dark. this practice raises some concerns about transgenic organisms. which of the following is an ethical concern?

a. genes from these plants may be transferred to native plants through pollination.
b. genes from these plants may not be fully functional over the lifetime of the plant.
c. these plants may not live as long as natural garden plants.
d. these plants may cost more than natural garden plants.

1. a community is considering a proposal to build a new housing development that would convert a large area of native forest into residential lots. the proposal includes a plan to plant non - native ornamental trees and shrubs throughout the development. which of the following is the most likely long - term environmental impact of this project on the local ecosystem?

a. the new housing will increase biodiversity by introducing new plant species, leading to a more stable ecosystem.
b. the conversion of forest to housing will not have much impact on the environment, as the new plants will replace the old ones.
c. the replacement of native species with non - native plants and the loss of forest habitat will lead to a decrease in biodiversity and a disruption of local food webs.
d. the introduction of new species will create a healthier environment for native wildlife, attracting more animals to the area.

Explanation:

1. The inserted gene gives pesticide immunity, so grass - hoppers can survive pesticide spraying.
2. Monitoring water quality factors like microorganisms, temperature, pollution etc. is important for public health as contaminated water can cause health issues.
3. Transfer of genes from transgenic plants to native plants through pollination is an ethical concern as it can have unforeseen ecological impacts.
4. Replacing native species with non - native ones and loss of forest habitat due to housing development will likely decrease biodiversity and disrupt food webs.

Answer:

1. d. The grasshoppers will be able to be sprayed with the pesticide and remain population.
2. d. Monitoring water quality is important to public health.
3. a. Genes from these plants may be transferred to native plants through pollination.
4. c. The replacement of native species with non - native plants and the loss of forest habitat will lead to a decrease in biodiversity and a disruption of local food webs.