What characterizes a transgenic organism?

A transgenic organism is characterized by the incorporation of a gene from another species into its genome. This process enables the organism to express new traits or characteristics that are not naturally present in its own species. By transferring specific genes, scientists can introduce desirable traits such as disease resistance, increased growth rate, or enhanced nutritional content.

This definition aligns with how transgenic organisms are developed, particularly through genetic engineering techniques that allow for direct manipulation of an organism's DNA. These advancements mark a significant departure from traditional breeding methods, which may select for traits within the same species rather than introducing entirely new genetic material.

The other options reflect different concepts related to agricultural practices and biotechnology. For instance, natural selection and traditional breeding emphasize the gradual modification of traits within the same species based on environmental pressures or selective breeding practices, rather than gene transfer across species boundaries. Consequently, while these practices play significant roles in agriculture, they do not define transgenic organisms specifically.