Which term describes the technology that utilizes living organisms for various applications?

The correct answer is biotechnology because it is the broad field that involves the use of living organisms or their components to develop products and processes that can improve human life and the environment. This can encompass a variety of applications, including medical, agricultural, and industrial uses. Biotechnology often merges biological sciences with technological applications, utilizing techniques such as genetic engineering, fermentation, and bioprocessing to harness the capabilities of organisms, whether they are bacteria, yeast, plants, or animals.

While genetic engineering, cloning, and selective breeding all fall under biotechnological methods, they represent more specific techniques or practices within the broader context of biotechnology. Genetic engineering involves the direct manipulation of an organism’s genes, cloning focuses on creating genetically identical organisms, and selective breeding is a traditional form of biotechnology that selectively breeds organisms for desired traits. However, biotechnology encompasses all these techniques and more, making it the most inclusive answer to the question regarding the utilization of living organisms.