Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

Selective Breeding and Genetic Engineering — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

MS-LS4-5

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This middle school science passage explores selective breeding and genetic engineering, aligning with NGSS standard MS-LS4-5. Students will learn the mechanisms behind artificial selection, including traditional selective breeding, hybridization, and modern genetic engineering techniques such as creating GMOs. The passage provides real-world examples like disease-resistant crops and insulin-producing bacteria, discusses advantages and disadvantages, and addresses ethical debates around genetic modification and food security. Activities include a comprehension quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers, making the content engaging and accessible for grades 6-8. The resource includes audio integration for enhanced accessibility and supports science literacy and critical thinking. Key vocabulary terms are highlighted and defined to build academic language. This lesson is ideal for teachers seeking to cover evolution, genetics, biotechnology, and science & society topics in an NGSS-aligned curriculum.

CONTENT PREVIEW

genetic-engineering-2 — The process of genetic engineering

Selective breeding and genetic engineering are two important ways humans have changed plants and animals for thousands of years. These methods impact agriculture, health, and the environment by allowing people to select or directly alter traits in living things. Understanding how these processes work helps explain why our food and medicines look the way they do today, and raises important scientific and ethical questions for the future.

How Selective Breeding and Hybridization Work

Selective breeding, also known as artificial selection, involves choosing plants or animals with desired traits and breeding them over many generations. For example, farmers might select cows that produce more milk or wheat that resists disease. This method relies on existing natural variation within a species. Over time, the chosen traits become more common. Hybridization is a related process where individuals from different varieties, or even different species, are crossed to combine beneficial traits. For instance, hybrid corn is created by crossing two types of corn to increase yield and hardiness. Both methods are slow and depend on chance combinations of genes, but they have transformed agriculture worldwide.

Modern Genetic Engineering and Its Impacts

Genetic engineering is a newer technology that allows scientists to directly modify the DNA of an organism. By using tools like recombinant DNA technology, genes from one species can be inserted into another, creating genetically modified organisms (GMOs). For example, scientists have engineered bacteria to produce human insulin, helping millions with diabetes. Other examples include crops that are resistant to pests and salmon that grow faster than normal. Genetic engineering can achieve results much faster than selective breeding, and can create combinations not possible through traditional methods. However, it also raises concerns about safety, environmental impact, and ethics.

Comparing the Methods: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Debates

Both selective breeding and genetic engineering have advantages and disadvantages. Selective breeding is considered safer and more natural, but it takes many years to produce results and may reduce genetic diversity. Genetic engineering is faster and more precise, but some people worry about unintended consequences, such as effects on other species or the environment. There are also debates about labeling GMO foods and whether humans should "play God" with nature. Despite these concerns, genetic engineering can help address food security by making crops more productive, which is important as the world’s population grows. Scientists continue to study the risks and benefits to guide responsible use.

In summary, selective breeding and genetic engineering are powerful tools that have shaped our food, health, and environment. They show how humans interact with biological systems to meet needs, but also highlight the importance of careful scientific study and ethical decision-making in modern society.

Interesting Fact:
Almost 90% of corn and soybeans grown in the United States are genetically modified to resist pests or herbicides.

What is selective breeding?

Choosing plants or animals with certain traits to reproduceChanging the DNA of an organism directly in a labCrossing animals from different speciesLabeling foods for health reasons

Which technology uses recombinant DNA to create new traits?

Selective breedingHybridizationGenetic engineeringNatural selection

What is one example of genetic engineering mentioned in the passage?

Crossing two types of corn for better yieldBreeding cows that produce more milkMaking bacteria produce human insulinPlanting only the largest tomatoes

What does hybridization involve?

Mixing DNA in a laboratoryCrossing different varieties or species to combine traitsEditing genes with computersBreeding plants with fewer seeds

In the passage, what does the word 'variation' mean?

A type of DNADifferences in traits among individualsA special kind of hybridA method of labeling foods

Based on the passage, why do some people worry about genetic engineering?

It takes too long to see resultsIt may cause unintended consequences for the environment or healthIt is too similar to natural selectionIt only works on animals

How does genetic engineering differ from selective breeding?

It changes DNA directly and works fasterIt always takes longerIt depends on random chanceIt cannot be used on plants

What is one advantage of using genetic engineering over selective breeding?

It is always saferIt is faster and more preciseIt increases genetic diversityIt does not require any scientific study

True or False: Hybridization always creates new species.

TrueFalse

True or False: Almost 90% of corn and soybeans in the U.S. are genetically modified.

TrueFalse

Perfect For:

👩‍🏫 Teachers

• Reading comprehension practice
• Auto-graded assessments
• Literacy skill development

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents

• Reading practice at home
• Comprehension improvement
• Educational reading time

🏠 Homeschoolers

• Reading curriculum support
• Independent reading practice
• Progress monitoring

Reading Features:

📖

Reading Passage

Engaging fiction or nonfiction text

❓

Comprehension Quiz

Auto-graded questions

📊

Instant Feedback

Immediate results and scoring

📄

Printable Version

Download for offline reading

🔊

Read Aloud

Voice-over with word highlighting

Reviews & Ratings

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Artificial Selection

This passage explores the science of artificial selection for middle school students, aligning with NGSS standard MS-LS4...

MS-LS4-5

Connect with Workybooks!

7950 Silverton Av #208, San Diego CA 92126