Question

Biofuel is an experimental resource created through the use of living matter. It is a plant-based fuel and a renewable resource that can be used as a substitute to traditional fuel. A research team has recently discovered a “switch” that affects cell growth of a red algae used in the production of biofuel. Through the inactivation of this switch researchers observed a drastic increase in the production of red algae. If researchers are able to successfully recreate the effects of this mechanism, a wide range of industries will be interested in the purchase of this research. What should the research team take into consideration when analyzing the negative environmental effects of their findings?
a loss in biodiversity due to the replanting of the same modified crops each year

the decrease in the use of nonrenewable resources like gasoline that will occur as a result

an increase of payment coming from interested industries that they can be used to fund future research

the increase in bioplastics, also made from algae, that can phase out single-use plastics like plastic shopping bags

Answer 1

The answer is; a loss in biodiversity due to the replanting of the same modified crops each year

Monoculture has a drastic effect on biodiversity. Monoculture reduces the genetic diversity in a region and hence the environment is unable to maintain itself. This makes the environment less adaptable to environmental changes since natural selection acts on genetic diversity. Biodiversity is also important for living communities because it provides critical ecosystem services and resources critical for life, such as nutrient cycling.