Vocab
What is genetic engineering?
Genetic engineering changes DNA so that a living organism’s biological capabilities are changed.
What animals dazzled Charles Darwin?
the exotic iguanas, tortoises, and birds
What may be the best way to get rid of invasive rodents on the Galapagos Islands?
The best way may be to change the rodents’ DNA so that they cannot reproduce.
Who is Ms. Coxes favorite artist?
Taylor Swift <3
What is the meaning of the word "synthetic" as it is used in the excerpt from paragraph 6?
". . . in 2013 he wrote about the lack of dialogue between synthetic biologists
and conservationists"
prepared or made artificially
According to paragraph 7, why is it dangerous to use poison to control rodents?
It could harm other forms of wildlife
Are gene drives possible with current technology?
No-this is one con to the solution
Galapagos Islands are famous for...
their exotic or unusual animals
The rodents are invasive...what does the word "invasive" mean?
They are not native to the islands, and they are widely spread
In paragraph 4, how are gene drives
being used to prevent the spread of disease?
Gene drives engineered in mosquitoes can kill the parasite responsible for malaria.
What is one danger of using poison to kill rats?
It may also kill other animals.
The author explains how mice and rats have recently spread throughout the islands...how did these rodents arrive?
These rodents arrived on the islands by way of ships
Rats and mice are prosaic animals...what does the word "prosaic" mean?
opposite of exotic
In Paragraph 8, how does the author support his claim that islands are well suited for gene drive solutions?
Why are islands a good location?
He explains that islands are good environments for gene drive solutions because the surrounding ocean would stop them from reaching other environments
Why do Conservationists oppose the use of gene drives?
What is their opposing view?
Because it is unnatural
What is the current solution for getting rid of invasive animals on islands?
To kill them by spreading rat poison all over
Environmentalists have long decried genetically modified organisms. (paragraph 5)
What does "decried" mean
to condemn/ to denounce as faulty or worthless.
"In any case, if scientists can construct such a gene drive, if conservationists can get permission to release mice carrying them, and if everything goes as planned, then islands like the Galapagos stand to benefit." How does this quote show the authors main claim?
Gene drives can be beneficial if they are planned and carried out correctly.
Explain what Crispr is... what genetic engineering work are they doing?
Crispr is a technology that allows scientists to make quick and specific changes to DNA. They have experimented with using gene drives as a way to prevent mosquitoes from spreading disease, such as malaria and dengue.
What conclusion does the author come to about Gene Drives?
The author says that the Galapagos Islands may be helped if scientists can create a gene drive for mice and get permission to set the engineered mice loose on the islands