Which of the following best defines biotechnology?

Biotechnology is best defined as the use of living organisms or their components for technological development. This definition encompasses a broad range of applications, including genetic engineering, medical advancements, agricultural improvements, and environmental solutions.

It highlights how scientists and researchers utilize biological systems—like cells, enzymes, or entire organisms—to create products and technologies that improve human health, agricultural yields, and industrial processes. For instance, biopharmaceuticals developed through biotechnology involve manipulating living cells to produce medicines.

In contrast, the other options narrow the scope of biotechnology significantly. Focusing solely on human genes excludes the many non-human applications within this field, while the use of drugs to enhance bodily functions is just one specific area of biomedicine, rather than biotechnology as a whole. Furthermore, studying animals in their natural habitats does not involve the manipulation or utilization of living organisms for a technological purpose, which is a fundamental aspect of biotechnology.