What term describes the use of scientific techniques to improve plants and animals?

The term that describes the use of scientific techniques to improve plants and animals is biotechnology. This field employs various tools and methods, including genetic engineering, molecular markers, and tissue culture, to enhance desired traits in crops and livestock, such as disease resistance, improved yields, and better nutritional content.

Biotechnology stands out from other terms in the context of agricultural improvement. While conventional breeding relies on traditional methods of selection and crossing to achieve desired traits over multiple generations, biotechnology allows for more precise alterations at the genetic level, often leading to faster and more consistent results. Organic farming focuses on natural methods and synthetic chemical avoidance, whereas permaculture emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem design. These approaches do not typically incorporate the advanced scientific techniques central to biotechnology. Thus, biotechnology is the most accurate term for the application of scientific methods to enhance agricultural products.