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Transcript: Genetically modified crops affect
monarch butterfly populations (1:03)
Monarch
butterfly populations are declining. Some research suggests that
genetically modified crops may be partially responsible.
This is
the Iowa Environmental Focus.
Iowa
State University and the University of Minnesota completed research earlier this
year linking the declining monarch butterfly population to the increased use of
genetically modified crops.
Monarch
butterflies lay their eggs on milkweed, which often grows on the edges of
cornfields. The caterpillars then feed exclusively off of the
milkweed.
However,
because genetically modified crops can withstand heavy doses of herbicide, more
herbicide is being used on cornfields resulting in less milkweed. Without this
food source, the caterpillars struggle to survive.
Further
research is needed to confirm these findings.
End.