Which term refers to techniques that alter genetic material in ways that do not occur naturally?

The term that specifically refers to techniques that alter genetic material in ways not found in nature is modern biotechnology. This encompasses a variety of advanced techniques, including genetic engineering and genome editing, which allow scientists to make precise changes to the DNA of organisms. These methods enable the introduction of new traits and characteristics that could not be achieved through traditional breeding practices.

In contrast, conventional breeding relies on the natural reproductive processes of plants and animals, such as crossing different varieties to produce offspring with desirable traits. Organic farming emphasizes agricultural practices that maintain ecological balance and minimize synthetic inputs, but it does not inherently involve genetic alteration. Selective breeding is a method to enhance desired traits through the selection of parents based on their genetic qualities, but it does so within the limits of natural genetic variation. These methods do not achieve the level of specificity or capability that modern biotechnology allows.