SUMMARY
The northern white rhinoceros is one of the world’s biggest animals, and one of the most endangered. Only two are known to be alive, both female. But scientific breakthroughs are raising hopes for saving the rhino and perhaps even bringing other animals back from extinction. John Yang reports.
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Key terms
genetic engineering — the modification and manipulation of an organism's genes using technology
WARM UP QUESTIONS
- Who are Najin and Fatu?
- How many northern white rhinos still are alive?
- What project does Thomas Hildebrandt lead?
- How are scientists hoping to create genetic diversity in future northern white rhinos?
- When was the the dodo bird last seen before its extinction?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Do you think it's a good idea to try to bring species back from extinction? Why or why not?
Media literacy: Who else would you want to hear from to better understand the ethics of bringing species back from extinction?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to find out more about?
FOR MORE
What students can do:
Watch the Student Reporting Labs video and answer the following question: How do National Parks affect the populations of endangered species?
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