A break in discovery of genomes of big cats was recently found. Scientist have never mapped the DNA sequence of big cats. This led to a major question of why and how the big cats have different characteristics, for example larger muscles, ability to digest large amounts of food, and keen sense of smell, as opposed to domesticated cats. Big cats and domesticated cats share 96% of genes, and the remaining 4% was left unanswered. This map of genomes of big cats led researches to understand many new things about big cats, including how some have adapted to harsh climates, and the differences in their coats.
The information scientists have gained throughout the research of the genomes of big cats can help scientific study expand their knowledge of these animals. The diversity of big cats depends on this research. Big cats are an endangered species, and with the environmental damage that is occurring on earth, the number of big cats is continuously dwindling. The research is crucial, so that there is an efficient way to breed big cats to ensure that they do not become extinct.
I believe that this research is crucial for our generation to become more involved in. The expansion of civilization is creating a destructive environment for other species to thrive in. I believe (or hope) that at some point in our lifetime that people will realize the impact we have made on the world, and how that is not only affecting us, but also all the other species we share the planet with. I think it is up to us to help find ways to conserve the genes of the animals we have, as a human race, made become extinct. I believe the research of genomes is a huge advancement into helping, maybe someday, to restore the environment to what it once was.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-24117279 (9/17)
Melisa,
ReplyDeleteI liked how you expanded on not only the idea that we are causing problems among not only cats, but animals on a whole and that we need to recognize the problems that we could be causing the other species that we share the planet with. I like how you bolded "share." It made me think. We not only share this planet with animals, but also plants, and what we do makes a huge impact on the world around us. I think humans on the whole are very quick to excuse the idea that we could be harming something around us because we do so many things so selfishly.
-Nate