Division B Interactions with the environment

predicted habitat of the GMOs,

studies of the behaviour and characteristics of the GMOs and their ecological impact carried out in simulated natural environments, such as microcosms, growth rooms, greenhouses,

genetic transfer capability

1. (a)

   postrelease transfer of genetic material from GMOs into organisms in affected ecosystems;

2. (b)

   postrelease transfer of genetic material from indigenous organisms to the GMOs,

likelihood of postrelease selection leading to the expression of unexpected and/or undesirable traits in the modified organism,

measures employed to ensure and to verify genetic stability. Description of genetic traits which may prevent or minimise dispersal of genetic material. Methods to verify genetic stability,

routes of biological dispersal, known or potential modes of interaction with the disseminating agent, including inhalation, ingestion, surface contact, burrowing, etc.,

description of ecosystems to which the GMOs could be disseminated,

potential for excessive population increase in the environment,

competitive advantage of the GMOs in relation to the unmodified recipient or parental organism(s),

identification and description of the target organisms if applicable,

anticipated mechanism and result of interaction between the released GMOs and the target organism(s) if applicable,

identification and description of non-target organisms which may be adversely affected by the release of the GMO, and the anticipated mechanisms of any identified adverse interaction,

likelihood of postrelease shifts in biological interactions or in host range,

known or predicted interactions with non-target organisms in the environment, including competitors, preys, hosts, symbionts, predators, parasites and pathogens,

known or predicted involvement in biogeochemical processes,

other potential interactions with the environment.