What does genetic engineering involve?

Genetic engineering specifically refers to the process in which an organism's genetic material, or DNA, is intentionally manipulated to introduce desired traits or characteristics. This is achieved through various techniques such as gene editing or recombinant DNA technology, which allow scientists to add, remove, or modify DNA sequences in a targeted manner.

By manipulating the genetic code, researchers can enhance certain attributes in the organism, such as increasing resistance to diseases in plants or improving the nutritional content of food. This precision makes genetic engineering a powerful tool in biotechnology and is distinct from other biological processes.

The other options focus on different areas of study and do not encompass the direct manipulation of DNA for desired traits. The study of animal behavior, for example, addresses the psychological and physiological aspects of animals rather than their genetic structure. Cultivation of crops in laboratories pertains more to agricultural practices than to genetic modification specifically, and the notion of creating new species through natural selection involves evolutionary processes rather than deliberate genetic intervention.