GMO Biosafety Research 2015, Vol.6, No.2, 1-6
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There are many reasons for species’ loss. Some of
them are connected to the changes in the universe,
Solar system and finally natural events on planet itself.
Events such as space disasters (collision of Earth with
space objects), volcanoes, earthquakes, global
warming, reduction of ozone layer, strengthening or
reduction of solar activity, etc. become the reason of
destruction of species. There are such natural factors
which influence, at short time, bring to destruction
thousands of species. There are also those influence
which causes gradual species reduction.
Anthropogenic activities are the second reason of
destruction of species on our planet. Starting from the
end of XIX century, the scientific technological
revolution which is called “the result of human
activity”, became a “terrible ghost” for biodiversity.
Development of industry, intensification of natural
resources’ use, industrialization of farming, expansion
and globalization of technologies, urbanization,
widening of communication and structural changes in
ecosystem started to seriously influence species’
numbers. According to the conclusion of scientists,
there are already more than 100 anthropogenic factors
which may directly influence on biodiversity. Despite
these anthropogenic factors, starting from 80’s genetic
engineering became a serious factor affecting
biodiversity
, 2011).
The impact of GMOs on biodiversity
“Genetic engineering” by gene manipulation provides
changes in the existing species. Transfer of genes from
one organism to another is a process that is mostly
ongoing within a species in nature. Species
formation, in nature, is process managed by natural
selection. Besides interspecies gene transfer, there
are also natural processes, such as mutation, that
leads to transformation into new sub-species.
Genetic engineering can transfer genes between
unrelated species. Genetic engineering can
overcome natural physiological reproductive or
recombination barriers. Genetic pollution can have
relatively more unexpected results than chemical
one due to the fact that living materials can breed,
migrate and mutate. World community, scientists,
environmentalists are beware of inclusion of
genetically modified alive forms and their products
into nature and the potential adverse effect they can
cause to the ecosystem
et al., 2005).
In 2010, the area of agriculture sowing lands
constituted 1 billion hectares (Clive, 2010). 59% of
world's population lived in 29 countries which are
growing up GMO. Total number of the farmers
cultivating GMO plants, in 2010, constituted 15,4
million. According to forecasts, in 2015, this figure
will make 20 million and 40 countries of the world
will become countries of GMO. In 2010, GMO seeds
were sold in amount of 11,2 billion dollars. The most
widespread GMOs plants included: soy – 50%, corn -
30%, cotton - 14%, rape - 5%. GMOs plants having 2
or more transgene signs were planted in 11 countries
(Y.V. Chesnokov, 2011). According to prognosis of
International Service for the Acquisition of
Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), in 2011-2015 the
sale of GMO Amflora potatoes grade (phytophthora
resistant), Bt - eggplant, golden rice, phytase rich corn,
drought tolerant corn, nitrogen sensitive GM wheat is
expected on world market (Clive J. , 2010).
Even though impacts of GM plants on environment
and health are yet not clear, the fact that they will
affect biodiversity remains undeniable
,
2005).
The cultivation of GMO plants in the Centers of
Origin and Center of Genetic Diversity can be
particularly dangerous. For instance, the country of
origin of rice is China. Cultivation of GM rice as
the result of cross dusting can become the reason
of elimination of wild sorts. Gene flow from
cultivated rice to wild rice species is considered
infrequent, but nonetheless possible (GMO
compass, Jan,2015). The sorts which were created
as the result of hybridization will oppress natural
diversity on the territory and little-number
populations will be completely lost. Cultivation of
GMO will decrease diversity of plants, animals,
fungi and microorganisms on the territory. For
example, GMO rot bacteria extremely decreases
population of useful fungi bacteria around it (Lotta
Jäderlund,
2008).
Fast-growing
transgenic
organisms may extrude ordinary types of natural
ecosystem. If transgenic pollen of GMO plants will
get to near relatives – wild plants, they may become
herbicide resistant and they may change into
superior plants. Results have already shown that the
level of expression in the hybrid may not be
sufficient to give the resistance.
