History of the field: Who first coined the term Biotechnology in the modern scientific context (early 20th century), giving a name to the industrial use of biological processes?

Introduction / Context:
The question tests recognition of a foundational historical milestone in biotechnology: identifying the individual who introduced the term that now encompasses industrial microbiology, genetic engineering, bioprocessing, and bioinformatics. Knowing the origin helps students connect modern applications to their early conceptual framing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The term Biotechnology appeared in the early 1900s.
• It referred to the application of biological systems in industry and agriculture.
• We are selecting the person credited with coining the term, not merely contributing to the field.

Concept / Approach:
Biotechnology as a word and concept was popularized by an agricultural engineer and economist who described the systematic use of biological processes for production. The approach is to recall historical attribution rather than derive a calculation. This is a pure recall item grounded in scientific history.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard biotechnology history texts and course syllabi list Karl Ereky as the person who coined the term in 1919, in a context of animal husbandry and industrial use of living organisms for production.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• James Clarke: not credited with coining the term biotechnology.
• Paul Terasaky: known for other contributions, not this term.
• Clarke and Sommer: not associated with the coining event.
• Louis Pasteur: key pioneer of microbiology and fermentation, but he did not coin the term biotechnology.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes assume that major pioneers like Pasteur introduced all fundamental terms. Another pitfall is confusing the coining of a term with later advances like recombinant DNA, which came decades after Ereky.

Final Answer:
Karl Ereky