Extinct Species Debate

The author of Passage 1 suggests that the usefulness of de-extinction technology may be limited by the...

• amount of time scientists are able to devote to genetic research.

• relationship of an extinct species to contemporary ecosystems.

• complexity of the DNA of an extinct species.

• length of time that a species has been extinct

Which choice provides the BEST evidence that the usefulness of de-extinction technology may be limited by the length of time that a species has been extinct.

• "Thanks to new developments in genetic technology, that DNA may eventually bring the animals back to life." (¶ 2)

• "Only species whose DNA is too old to be recovered are the ones to consider totally extinct, bodily and genetically." (¶ 2

• "It will be expensive and difficult." (¶ 3)

• "It will take decades. It won’t always succeed." (¶ 3)

What does “deepest” most nearly mean in this sentence below?

"The imagination soars. Just the thought of mammoths and passenger pigeons alive again invokes the awe and wonder that drives all conservation at its deepest level."

• most engrossing.

• most challenging.

• most extensive.

• most fundamental.

The authors of Passage 2 indicate that the matter of shrinking biodiversity should primarily be considered a—

• historical exception..

• global catastrophe.

• scientific curiosity.

• political problem.

Which choice provides the best evidence that the authors of Passage 2 believe that shrinking biodiversity is a global catastrophe?

• "Species today are vanishing in such great numbers...that the trend has been called a sixth
 mass extinction." (¶6)

• "A program to restore extinct species poses a risk of selling the public on a false promise that technology alone can solve our ongoing environmental woes" (¶6)

• "Against that backdrop, a costly and flamboyant project to resuscitate extinct flora and fauna in the name of conservation looks irresponsible:" (¶7)

• "Such investigations, however, should be conducted under the mantle of preserving modern biodiversity rather than conjuring extinct species from the grave." (¶8)

What does "great" mean in the following sentence from paragraph 6?

"Species today are vanishing in such great numbers—many from hunting and habitat destruction"

• lofty

• wonderful

• large

• intense

The reference to the “black-footed ferret and the northern white rhino” (paragraph 8) serves mainly to—

• emphasize a key distinction between extinct and living species.

• account for types of animals whose numbers are dwindling.

• provide examples of species whose gene pools are compromised.

• highlight instances of animals that have failed to adapt to new habitats.

Which choice best states the relationship between the two passages?

• Passage 2 attacks a political decision that Passage 1 strongly advocates.

• Passage 2 urges caution regarding a technology that Passage 1 describes in favorable terms.

• Passage 2 expands on the results of a research study mentioned in Passage 1.

• Passage 2 considers practical applications that could arise from a theory discussed in Passage 1.

Which choice would best support the claim that the authors of Passage 2 recognize that the “imagination soars” (paragraph 5) in response to de-extinction technology?

• "The idea of bringing back extinct species holds obvious gee-whiz appeal and a respite from a steady stream of grim news."

• "Yet with limited intellectual bandwidth and financial resources to go around, de-extinction threatens to divert attention from the modern biodiversity crisis."

• "That is not to say that the de-extinction enterprise lacks merit altogether."

• "For example, extinct versions of genes could be reintroduced into species and subspecies that have lost a dangerous amount of genetic diversity..."

How would the authors of Passage 2 most likely respond to the “prospect” referred to in line 21, Passage 1?

• With approval, because it illustrates how useful de-extinction could be in addressing widespread environmental concerns.

• With resignation, because the gradual extinction of many living species is inevitable.

• With concern, because it implies an easy solution to a difficult problem.

• With disdain, because it shows that people have little understanding of the importance of genetic diversity.

Answer explanation

The author of passage is amazed by the idea of de-extinction, while the authors of passage 2 warn that a “program to restore extinct species poses a risk of selling the public on a false promise that technology alone can solve our ongoing environmental woes." This statement shows that the authors of Passage 2 view de-extinction as a “false promise” that may make the problem of shrinking biodiversity appear easier to solve than it actually will be.