Which process is referred to as genetic engineering?

The process referred to as genetic engineering involves the manipulation of DNA to alter the characteristics of an organism. This can include adding new genes, deleting genes, or modifying existing genes to achieve desired traits or outcomes. Genetic engineering is a powerful tool used in various fields, from agriculture to medicine, allowing scientists to enhance crop resilience, produce pharmaceuticals, and create genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with specific traits. By directly altering genetic material, researchers can achieve changes that might not occur through traditional breeding methods, making this process distinct in its intentional modification of an organism's genome for specific purposes.

In contrast, the other processes listed do not involve direct manipulation of DNA. The study of genetic disorders focuses on understanding how genes can lead to diseases rather than altering them. Natural evolution describes the slow change in species over time due to environmental pressures and does not involve human intervention. Lastly, preserving genetic diversity in ecosystems is crucial for maintaining healthy populations and resilience but does not entail the direct modification of DNA in organisms.