The Effect of Genetically Modified and Organic Corn on the Amount of Corn Consumed by Wildlife
School Name
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School
Grade Level
11th Grade
Presentation Topic
Environmental Science
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Written Paper Award
2nd Place
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to investigate if there is a correlation between genetically modified and organic corn feed for wild animals and the amount of corn consumed when given the choice. Genetically modified corn is when scientist change proteins at the genetic level of the seed corn. Two types of Pioneer genetically modified corn were used, one being 3371 with Round-up Ready and LibertyLink genes and another type, 33G71, that contained both of these genes as well as the a third one called the Herculex (HXRW). The third type of corn was an organic shelled corn which had not been genetically modified. Thirty cups of each type of corn was added to labeled tubs and then placed on the ground in the woods about 5 feet apart for three weeks. Also, a trail camera was set up to capture any movement by the tubs. At the end of the three weeks the corn was measured in cups and the data was collected. After 21 days, the wildlife had eaten 6 cups of Pioneer 3371 and 4 cups of Pioneer 33G71. From the organic tub, 21 cups of corn was consumed. These findings concluded that when given a choice wildlife consumed organic corn over GM corn by percent, thus, supporting the hypothesis that there would be a difference in the amount of corn consumed.
Recommended Citation
Withycombe, Jordan R., "The Effect of Genetically Modified and Organic Corn on the Amount of Corn Consumed by Wildlife" (2015). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 143.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2015/all/143
Start Date
4-11-2015 10:45 AM
End Date
4-11-2015 11:00 AM
The Effect of Genetically Modified and Organic Corn on the Amount of Corn Consumed by Wildlife
The purpose of this project was to investigate if there is a correlation between genetically modified and organic corn feed for wild animals and the amount of corn consumed when given the choice. Genetically modified corn is when scientist change proteins at the genetic level of the seed corn. Two types of Pioneer genetically modified corn were used, one being 3371 with Round-up Ready and LibertyLink genes and another type, 33G71, that contained both of these genes as well as the a third one called the Herculex (HXRW). The third type of corn was an organic shelled corn which had not been genetically modified. Thirty cups of each type of corn was added to labeled tubs and then placed on the ground in the woods about 5 feet apart for three weeks. Also, a trail camera was set up to capture any movement by the tubs. At the end of the three weeks the corn was measured in cups and the data was collected. After 21 days, the wildlife had eaten 6 cups of Pioneer 3371 and 4 cups of Pioneer 33G71. From the organic tub, 21 cups of corn was consumed. These findings concluded that when given a choice wildlife consumed organic corn over GM corn by percent, thus, supporting the hypothesis that there would be a difference in the amount of corn consumed.
