Do Now Blog: Final topics

1. Should genetic modification be used to restore the American Chestnut to eastern forests?

American Chestnuts were the dominant tree species of eastern forests in the United States.  An invasive fungus was unintentionally introduced and caused a mass mortality in the early 1900s.
Genetic engineering may allow the development of American Chestnuts that are disease resistant, and could be reintroduced.

One side:  Genetic engineering should not be used to re-construct nature because we don't know the consequences
Other side:  Genetic engineering has the potential to help restore ecosystems that have been impacted by human actions.

How about bringing back extinct species like the Passenger Pigeon, Carolina Parakeet, or Ivory-billed Woodpecker? Could be linked to other previous blog posts:

• "Should we bring species back to life?"
• "Would you buy a genetically engineered per?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE7KkaVrw3g

2. Does wildlife have a place in densely populated human cities?

One side:  Worry over human-wildlife conflicts (car accidents, disease, trash)
Another view:  Humans are part of nature, and should share habitats with other animals

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LDGzXpei8k