What defines a transgenic organism?

A transgenic organism is defined by the presence of genetic material that has been artificially introduced from a different species. This process typically involves the insertion of a gene or genes from one organism into the DNA of another organism, granting it new traits or abilities that are not naturally found in the recipient species. For instance, scientists may insert a gene into a plant to make it resistant to pests, allowing for higher crop yields.

This concept is fundamentally different from the other options. An organism with altered environmental conditions may show changes in behavior or physiology, but this does not equate to a change in its genetic makeup. Similarly, an organism with multiple species refers to a broader category of living organisms but doesn't relate to the specific genetic modifications associated with transgenic organisms. Lastly, mentioning an organism that has survived a natural disaster does not pertain to genetic alteration in any way; survival is a result of environmental factors rather than genetic engineering. Hence, the focus remains on the genetic modification that defines transgenic organisms.