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Can Science Save the Northern White Rhino From Extinction and Even Bring Back the Dodo?
Ask students: How many northern white rhinos still are alive? How are scientists hoping to create genetic diversity in future northern white rhinos?
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.
View the transcript of the story.
Key term
genetic engineering — the modification and manipulation of an organism's genes using technology
Discussion 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?
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories.
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