How does genetic engineering differ from artificial selection?

The correct choice highlights that artificial selection specifically involves the selection and breeding of organisms within the same species to amplify desirable traits. This method relies on the natural reproductive processes of the organisms and is based on the observation of traits in existing individuals. For instance, farmers might choose to breed plants that yield the most fruit, gradually enhancing those traits through generations of selective breeding.

In contrast, genetic engineering is a more direct manipulation of an organism's DNA, allowing scientists to transfer specific genes between different species or make precise modifications within the genome. This process does not necessarily respect the species boundary and may involve technologies such as CRISPR or recombinant DNA technology, which can create organisms with traits that may not occur naturally.

This distinction emphasizes the fundamental difference in approach: artificial selection works within the limits of existing genetic variation in a species, while genetic engineering can create changes and combinations that would not be possible through traditional breeding methods alone.