One concern regarding transgenic crops that produce pesticides is that this trait may:

Study for the Environmental Science (ENVS) Test. Review flashcards, multiple choice questions, and get hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam with confidence!

The concern regarding transgenic crops that produce pesticides primarily revolves around their potential impact on non-target organisms, which includes beneficial insects such as pollinators and predators of pest species. When these genetically modified crops release pesticides into the environment, the chemical compounds may unintentionally affect insects that are not harmful to agriculture. This can lead to declines in beneficial insect populations, disrupting local ecosystems and potentially resulting in increased pest populations due to the loss of natural predators.

Choosing this answer underscores the broader ecological implications of using genetically modified crops, where the benefits of pest resistance might come at the cost of harming other parts of the ecosystem. The focus on non-pest insects is crucial because it highlights the complexity of interactions in food webs and ecosystem dynamics, emphasizing the need for careful assessment before widespread implementation of such agricultural technologies.

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