What is agricultural biotechnology primarily concerned with?

Agricultural biotechnology is primarily focused on the modification of plants and animals using scientific tools. This field utilizes techniques such as genetic engineering, molecular markers, and tissue culture to enhance desirable traits in crops and livestock, such as increased resistance to pests and diseases, improved nutritional content, and greater yields.

By employing these scientific methods, agricultural biotechnology aims to improve food production efficiency and sustainability. For example, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are developed to withstand specific agricultural challenges, ultimately benefiting farmers and consumers by contributing to more stable food supplies.

The other options represent different aspects of agriculture but do not capture the essence of agricultural biotechnology as it relates specifically to the use of scientific advancements in the modification of genetic traits in plants and animals. Traditional farming techniques, organic practices, and the preservation of heirloom varieties fall under more conventional or alternative agricultural approaches that do not leverage the tools and methodologies associated with biotechnology.