What are the potential risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

The potential risks associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) include unintended effects on non-target organisms. This is a significant concern because the genetic modifications made to a plant or organism can have cascading effects on the broader ecosystem. For instance, if a GMO is engineered to produce a pesticide, it may adversely affect beneficial insects and other non-target species that were not the intended focus of the modification.

This risk highlights the complexity of ecosystems where organisms interact in various ways. Even minor changes to one species can disrupt food webs, pollination processes, and overall biodiversity. Therefore, understanding the full impact of GMOs requires careful assessment and monitoring to ensure that there are no harmful consequences for non-target organisms and the environment as a whole.

While the other options focus on potential benefits or economic impacts, they do not directly address the environmental risks that come with genetic modifications, which makes the potential unintended effects on non-target organisms a critical concern in the assessment of GMOs.