Genetic Engineering Vs Artificial Selection

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Both genetic engineering and artificial selection allow humans to change a species so that its members are better suited for human needs. However, the mechanism for change is different. Artificial selection selects for traits already present in a species, whereas genetic engineering creates new traits. In artificial selection, scientists breed only individuals that have desirable traits. For example, scientists may breed (cross pollinate, in this case) only the highest yielding crops with one another for many generations. The result is a population of plants that all produce a higher yield (e.g., abundant fruit production) than other members of the species. Through selective breeding, scientists are able to change the traits in the population.