Maize is a crop plant that has been genetically modified - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2013 - Paper 1

To calculate the change in the percentage of farmland used to grow GM maize from 2004 to 2008, first determine the percentages from both years as shown in the graph. If, for example, the percentage in 2004 is 40% and in 2008 it is 80%, the change is calculated as follows:

Change = Percentage in 2008 - Percentage in 2004 = 80% - 40% = 40%.

Between 1996 and 2008, the percentage of farmland used to grow GM maize increased significantly. Initially, the use of GM maize was minimal in 1996, gradually rising over the years. Notably, the rate of increase appears to gain momentum after 2000, reaching around 80% by 2008. This illustrates a growing acceptance and adoption of GM technology in agriculture.

The use of GM organisms presents several advantages. For instance, they can be engineered for pest resistance, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides, and they may also be designed for drought tolerance, which can be vital in areas facing climate challenges. Furthermore, GM crops can enhance food security by increasing yield per acre.

However, there are notable disadvantages as well. Concerns about biodiversity arise from the potential dominance of GM crops over traditional varieties. Additionally, there are ethical considerations regarding the manipulation of genetic material, and the long-term effects on human health and the environment remain subjects of debate. Finally, issues of economic inequality can arise, with large agribusinesses potentially monopolizing the market, disadvantaging small-scale farmers.