Task 1: Cloning
Producing crops and livestock with known traits obviously has its advantages, but are there any negatives associated with fields full of genetically identical clones?
Develop and support a maximum one minute audio or video recording about two of the following statements:
- Only those cows that produce the highest yield of milk should be cloned.
- Entire fields should only contain clones of the most insect resistant plants from the prior year.
- We should only raise naturally produced plants and livestock and let nature do its thing.
- Any other idea you would like to discuss (but check your idea with your teacher first).
Put your response up on the Flipgrid – https://flip.com/357b4376
Task 2: Think on it…
Throughout this activity, you have been asked to think of the implications of the different reproductive strategies. The goal is the same in each case – to pass on genetic material to the next generation. Then why are there so many methods to accomplish this common goal? There must be an advantage to each method. Just remember… ‘Life will find a way…’.
- For two of the organisms highlighted in the sexual fertilization videos above, come up with at least one reason why the form of reproduction is an advantage to that species.
- Think of the organism’s habitat, motility, and closeness to mates when you consider possible benefits. Are there any disadvantages that the reproduction strategy may cause for the organism? For example, is there an energy cost associated with gamete formation? Is the potential reproductive success lower for the organism using a particular strategy?
- You may want to use a T-chart to organize your work… Pros/Cons (and perhaps questions) table.