Genome sequencing of endangered species

High school (ages 12+)
Animals & Nature

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/genome-sequencing-of-endangered-species

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the key genetic metric?Genetic diversity, crucial for a species' adaptive capacity and long-term survival
2. What is genome sequencing and why does it help endangered animals?Genome sequencing reads the entire DNA code of an animal. It lets scientists see how many different genes the animal has and find genes that help it stay healthy.
3. How can scientists use DNA to protect animals that have few people left?By looking at the DNA, they can see if the animals have many different genes or if they are too similar. Then they choose which animals to breed so the group stays strong.

Genome: The complete set of genetic material, including all genes, of an organism.
DNA Sequencing: The laboratory process of determining the exact order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule.
Genetic Diversity: The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.
Population Bottleneck: A sharp reduction in the size of a population due to environmental events or human activities.