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 are the historical factors that led to the extinction of Tasmanian devils on the mainland?

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Explain the significance of genomic analysis in understanding disease resistance in Tasmanian devils.

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