Which of the following best explains the difference between selective breeding and genetic engineering? Multiple Choice Selective breeding manipulates the DNA of animals and plants, whereas genetic engineering manipulates the DNA of bacteria and fungi. Genetic engineering has been going on for thousands of years, whereas selective breeding began in 1972. Genetic engineering involves directly manipulating the DNA of organisms, whereas selective breeding makes use of existing, naturally present variation and the process of sexual reproduction. Selective breeding is the process of locating a specific gene in one organism, whereas genetic engineering is the process that retrieves and inserts the gene into another organism