What does genetic engineering involve?

Genetic engineering involves the manipulation of an organism's DNA to achieve desired traits. This technique allows scientists to directly alter the genetic material of living organisms, which can result in the enhancement of certain characteristics, such as improved disease resistance, increased yield in crops, or the development of new medical therapies. By using tools such as CRISPR and plasmid vectors, researchers can target specific genes, add or remove segments of DNA, and create modifications that would not happen through natural processes alone. This ability to precisely edit an organism's genome places genetic engineering as a cornerstone of biotechnology, leading to innovations in agriculture, medicine, and research.

The other options focus on unrelated themes; for instance, the study of animal behavior delves into ethology rather than genetic modification, while the cultivation of crops in laboratories typically refers to tissue culture, not genetic alteration. The creation of new species through natural selection implies an evolutionary process that occurs over extended periods rather than through deliberate human intervention in genetics.