Hypothetical scenario – ArborGen (a biotech company) has expressed a desire to plant test plots of genetically modified eucalyptus here at FGCU! This GM eucalyptus has been engineered with enhanced cold tolerance. This allows it to grow not only in Southwest Florida, but potentially as far north as South Carolina. As an eco-aware citizen, the USDA has subpoenaed you to testify on the merits and pitfalls of this plan. Do some research on the web and prepare a brief statement to the USDA addressing the following questions:

   What is known about the ecology of the eucalyptus tree in general? What are the benefits of this technology? What are some of the potential intrinsic concerns? What are some of the potential extrinsic concerns? Can reasonable and cost-effective steps be taken to mitigate these risks? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Eucalyptus trees grow around bodies of water or underground water sources and because they require a lot of water they will monopolize the water source and increase the possibility of drought. They are also an invasive species which would be a problem in any ecosystem. Not all wildlife can utilize the eucalyptus leaves which would deter the wildlife away from campus and anywhere else the trees invade. If the company believes that the growth of this tree is an economic success they will attempt to sell the genetically altered trees to other locations. Once the sales of eucalyptus trees are released it would be too difficult to regulate where the trees grow and hundreds of acres of land will be infested with eucalyptus.