In Defense of Biodiversity: Why Protecting Species from Extinction Matters

[knocker]

Quote

A number of biologists have recently made the argument that extinction is part of evolution and that saving species need not be a conservation priority. But this revisionist thinking shows a lack of understanding of evolution and an ignorance of the natural world. 

https://e360.yale.edu/features/in-defense-of-biodiversity-why-protecting-species-from-extinction-matters

[Midlands Ice Age]

On ‎18‎/‎06‎/‎2018 at 08:37, knocker said:

https://e360.yale.edu/features/in-defense-of-biodiversity-why-protecting-species-from-extinction-matters

Following up on this theme.

 A paper was produced yesterday (I have failed to find a link as yet), about setting up the DNA sequencing of all species oflife on earth, from birds to animals, to fungus, to insects and plants.

It is hoped to be able to store indefinitely this data  and if necessary at a future date, be able to revive the species.

The work was announced  by the Natural History Museum and is to start with the 23.000 species which are  fixing extinction.

The work is scheduled to cover all 1.5 million of the species on  the  earth and will take around 10 years.

The UK appear to be taking the lead, with  the work being controlled by the Natural Museum and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, also along with  the Royal Botanic gardens in Kew, and the University of Edinburgh will contribute to the research. 

Institutions in the US, China, Germany, Brazil, Denmark and Australia have all agreed to take part.

It is described as the Noah's Ark project and is an attempt at sequencing all life on earth.

 

A truly mammoth project expected to bear enormous for human disease control, and also a bonus for life on earth if a calamity occurs.

 MIA

 

 

 

Edited November 3, 2018 by Midlands Ice Age

[Midlands Ice Age]

13 hours ago, Midlands Ice Age said:

Following up on this theme.

 A paper was produced yesterday (I have failed to find a link as yet), about setting up the DNA sequencing of all species oflife on earth, from birds to animals, to fungus, to insects and plants.

It is hoped to be able to store indefinitely this data  and if necessary at a future date, be able to revive the species.

The work was announced  by the Natural History Museum and is to start with the 23.000 species which are  fixing extinction.

The work is scheduled to cover all 1.5 million of the species on  the  earth and will take around 10 years.

The UK appear to be taking the lead, with  the work being controlled by the Natural Museum and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, also along with  the Royal Botanic gardens in Kew, and the University of Edinburgh will contribute to the research. 

Institutions in the US, China, Germany, Brazil, Denmark and Australia have all agreed to take part.

It is described as the Noah's Ark project and is an attempt at sequencing all life on earth.

 

A truly mammoth project expected to bear enormous benefits  for human disease control, and also a bonus for life on earth if a calamity occurs.

 MIA

I see that today (4/11/2018) that Kew are announcing there part in the set up.

Link to MSN of a Daily Telegraph report is attached 

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/environment/test-tube-trees-could-save-species-at-risk-of-extinction/ar-BBPipig?MSCC=1541322860&ocid=spartandhp

MIA

 

Edited November 4, 2018 by Midlands Ice Age

[Midlands Ice Age]

Please delete

Edited November 4, 2018 by Midlands Ice Age

[Methuselah]

I thought I'd post this article here, as, IMO, wiping-out any single species could have unforeseen, perhaps even unwanted, effects on biodiversity. The Law of Unintended Consequences comes to mind: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-48464510