How might genetic engineering impact food chains?

Genetic engineering can significantly impact food chains primarily because it introduces modified organisms that may interact with existing species in unpredictable ways. These changes can affect competition, predation, and even symbiotic relationships among organisms within an ecosystem. For example, if genetically engineered crops are designed to be more resistant to pests, they might reduce the population of those pests, which could subsequently affect the species that prey on those pests. Conversely, if a genetically engineered organism becomes a new food source, it could alter the dynamics of feeding relationships within the food chain.

Moreover, the introduction of genetically modified organisms can lead to unintended consequences such as gene transfer to wild populations, which can disrupt local ecosystems. This potential for disturbance is why the option indicating that genetic engineering could upset food chains is the most accurate reflection of its complex impacts on ecological balances.