How is selective breeding related to genetic modification?

Selective breeding and genetic modification are both methods used to enhance desirable traits in organisms, but they differ fundamentally in their approach. Selective breeding involves choosing parent organisms with specific traits to produce offspring with those traits over multiple generations, relying on natural genetic variation. In contrast, genetic modification involves directly altering an organism's DNA using biotechnological techniques, allowing for more precise and immediate changes. While both aim to improve traits, genetic modification can introduce traits from unrelated species, whereas selective breeding works within the confines of existing genetic variation.