What defines a transgenic organism?

A transgenic organism is specifically defined as one that has been genetically engineered to contain genes from another species. This process involves the transfer of genetic material across species boundaries, which can lead to the introduction of new traits or characteristics that are not naturally present in the organism. This ability to incorporate foreign DNA allows for advancements in agricultural biotechnology, such as improved pest resistance or enhanced nutritional profiles.

The other options describe different concepts in genetics. For instance, a hybrid species typically results from breeding individuals of the same or closely related species, and while it may possess diverse genetic traits, it does not necessarily involve the incorporation of entirely foreign genes. Carrying genes from the same species does not make an organism transgenic, as it would imply no interspecies gene transfer. Lastly, mentioning that an organism has not undergone any genetic modification clearly indicates it cannot be classified as transgenic because transgenic organisms, by definition, must have underwent such modifications to include genes from another species.