Reviving the Northern White Rhino

Dr. Barbara Durrant leads efforts at the San Diego Zoo's frozen zoo to preserve genetic material from endangered species. The focus is on the Northern White Rhino, which is functionally extinct due to poaching. The frozen zoo stores genetic material from over 10,000 animals, aiming to bring species back from extinction using advanced technologies like converting skin cells into stem cells. The project involves training Southern White Rhinos for noninvasive research to eventually carry Northern White Rhino embryos. This ambitious project aims to create a self-sustaining population of Northern White Rhinos, highlighting the responsibility humans have in reversing extinction caused by human activities.

What is the primary purpose of the frozen zoo?

• To conduct experiments on extinct species

• To display rare animals to the public

• To preserve the genetic material of endangered species

• To create a Jurassic Park-like environment

Why is the Northern White Rhino considered functionally extinct?

• They are only found in captivity

• There are no living specimens left

• They have been successfully cloned

• The remaining specimens cannot reproduce

What innovative technique is being used to potentially revive the Northern White Rhino?

• Cloning from dinosaur DNA

• Using robotic surrogates

• Converting skin cells into stem cells

• Cross-breeding with other rhino species

What is the role of Southern White Rhinos in the conservation project?

• They are being trained to hunt poachers

• They are serving as surrogate mothers

• They are being relocated to new habitats

• They are being genetically modified

How are the Southern White Rhinos prepared for their role in the project?

• Through genetic modification

• Through anesthesia and surgery

• By being trained to be calm and comfortable

• By being kept in isolation

What is the ultimate goal of the project involving Northern White Rhinos?

• To create a new species of rhino

• To keep them in zoos for public viewing

• To establish a self-sustaining population in the wild

• To use them for scientific experiments

What is the main challenge faced by the project to revive the Northern White Rhino?

• Finding suitable habitats

• Developing the necessary technologies

• Lack of funding

• Training enough Southern White Rhinos

Why does Dr. Durrant feel a strong obligation to work on this project?

• Because she loves working with rhinos

• Because she wants to become famous

• Because humans have caused many species to go extinct

• Because she wants to win a Nobel Prize

What could be a significant achievement if the project succeeds?

• Building a new research facility

• Winning international awards

• Showing pathways to revive other species

• Creating a new zoo

What is Dr. Durrant's hope regarding the timeline of the project?

• That she might live to see its success

• That it will be completed in a few months

• That it will be finished by the next decade

• That it will be completed by her successors