Which of the following is a potential drawback of GMOs?

• A. Reduced heterogeneity
• B. Economic cost
• C. Increased yield
• D. Pest resistance

Answer: (A)

A key point is that introducing GM traits can lead to less genetic diversity if a single modified variety becomes widespread. When crops are planted as a uniform GM variety over large areas, the overall gene pool shrinks, which reduces the population’s ability to adapt to new pests, diseases, or environmental changes. That lowered heterogeneity means a new threat could affect a large portion of the crop similarly, increasing risk. GM traits like higher yield and built-in pest resistance are benefits, and economic costs can be a drawback in some contexts, but the characteristic that most directly represents a potential vulnerability of GMOs is the loss of genetic diversity due to widespread monoculture.