完型练手——GM Foods转基因食品

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) have flooded global food

markets, meeting with a varied response from consumers, ranging from

ambivalence to outrage. Those who tolerate genetically modified (GM)

foods hope to gain from an increase in crop size leading to a decrease

in food costs. Opponents say GM foods are toxic to animals, humans,

and the environment.

The most appealing feature of GM foods is increased availability

at a decreased price: more food for less money. However, recent

research shows that the yield potential of commercialized crops has

not increased. Another study shows that soy, the most widespread

GM crops, has in fact been suffering from a reduction in yield. A

report analyzing research on crop yield of GM foods such as corn and

soybeans, actually found that traditional breeding outperforms genetic

engineering.

Supporters of GMOs say that using genetically modified organisms

leads to lower costs. But according to a 2008 World Bank report, GM

biofuels have actually caused an increase in food prices. Furthermore,

GM companies also regularly increase the price of seeds since

many genetically modified fruits and vegetables no longer reproduce

themselves, leading to even greater costs to farmers.

The claim that GM crops require a smaller amount of pesticide

has been proven false by US government data. These data show

an increase in pesticide use for GM crops compared to that used for

conventional crops. Though there are many papers that show health

problems in mice exposed to GM foods, from immune deficiency and

liver aging to allergic reactions, there is no conclusive evidence that

they are harmful to humans. Unfortunately, there is also no long-term

safety testing that shows that they are not harmful.

The issue has even more significance in Asia, which has a

high population density. Specialists on biodiversity have raised

concerns about the safety of GM rice. Though they don’t object to its

commercialization, they are concerned about its risks. The public is

worried as well: 85% of respondents to a survey conducted through

a Chinese newspaper were worried about GM foods’ potential health

hazards.

1. According to the article, what is the relationship between GM crops and

pesticide?

(A) GM crops use less pesticide.

(B) GM crops use more pesticide.

(C) GM crops use the same amount of pesticide as non-GM crops.

(D) Neither of them uses pesticide.

2. What does “they” in paragraph 4 refer to?

(A) Genetically modified foods

(B) Allergic reactions

(C) Conventional crops

(D) Immune deficiency and liver aging

3. What did the report in the second paragraph find?

(A) Genetic engineering leads to higher crop yield.

(B) Traditional breeding leads to higher crop yield.

(C) Both lead to higher crop yield.

(D) Neither leads to higher crop yield.

4. What does the author imply about GM foods?

(A) They are a reliable source of nutrition.

(B) They use less pesticide.

(C) They increase food production.

(D) They may not be safe.

（答案见下期）