Last of the Tasmanian devils - Infectious cancer to blame

The video discusses Tasmanian devils, focusing on their status as the largest carnivorous marsupials after the extinction of the Tasmanian tiger. It highlights the threat posed by the Tasmanian devil facial tumor disease, a rare infectious cancer. The disease's impact on devil populations and its unique transmissibility are explored. The video also compares this disease with other known infectious cancers in animals. Conservation efforts, including genomic research to identify disease-resistant devils and breeding programs, are outlined to prevent the species' extinction.

What distinguishes Tasmanian devils from most other marsupials?

• They live in trees.

• They are carnivores.

• They have wings.

• They are herbivores.

Where was the Tasmanian devil facial tumor disease first discovered?

• Southern Tasmania

• Northeastern Tasmania

• New Zealand

• Mainland Australia

What makes the Tasmanian devil facial tumor disease unique among cancers?

• It is non-lethal.

• It only affects humans.

• It is transmissible between individuals.

• It is caused by bacteria.

What is one of the main goals of the research on Tasmanian devils?

• To introduce them to the mainland.

• To make them herbivores.

• To predict disease transmission in uninfected populations.

• To find a new habitat for them.

How are researchers planning to use devils with genetic resistance to the disease?

• To release them in New Zealand.

• To study their eating habits.

• To populate captive breeding programs.

• To train them for circus acts.