For me, the difference between selective breeding and genetic engineering is the time frame.
Selective breeding gives us time to see how well our process is doing. It gives time to the organism and to us to adapt to the changes being introduced. It gives time for the ecosystem to integrate the modified organism.
Genetic engineering is a shortcut, a fastforward to what we want. While the effects are apparent since they are targeted for, we don't really know how well these organisms will integrate into the existing ecosystem. We will only know once it's out there and, should the effects be catastrophic, back-pedalling won't be easy - if it is possible.
For me, the difference between selective breeding and genetic engineering is the time frame.
Selective breeding gives us time to see how well our process is doing. It gives time to the organism and to us to adapt to the changes being introduced. It gives time for the ecosystem to integrate the modified organism.
Genetic engineering is a shortcut, a fastforward to what we want. While the effects are apparent since they are targeted for, we don't really know how well these organisms will integrate into the existing ecosystem. We will only know once it's out there and, should the effects be catastrophic, back-pedalling won't be easy - if it is possible.