This is a blog designed to help A level biology students, particularly those studying the EDEXCEL SNAB specification, with their studies.
Selective breeding gone too far?
2 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Animal Farm is a really interesting way of looking at selective breeding and genetic engineering, but its all a bit extreme. I don't think there is a necessity for super strong cows or featherless chickens, it's not as if they will save millions of lives. However, it's clear to see the potential of golden rice** that can save 2.5 Million people per year. When break-throughs like this are made, its such a shame to see them put on hold whilst millions carry on dying,simply because people are afraid of GM and too ignorant to fully understanding it. Animal Farm is a real eye-opener, all though I believe it was orginally aire (as with most biological channel 4 shows) as some sort of modern day freak show/ scare fest, its a really good way to learn about the potential of science with todays technology.
I feel sorry for that poor cow to be honest! Also, sperm by sperm analysis? That's gotta be a fun job, I don't think. To be honest, I just don't think that's right, it's one thing breeding things for their own advantage or if it doesn't affect the way they live, but those bulls did not look happy, and it can't be easy lumbering around when you weigh a ton. Also, when he was asked if they were healthy, his reply was "as healthy as any other intensively farmed animal", which says to me they aren't as healthy as normal animals. I think this is a step too far.
This blog is to help you find useful information and resources that link with your AS and A2 biology work. There is a whole mixture on stuff on here that is directly related to your studies; videos, powerpoints, links to useful websites and interesting news stories. I have organised it into topics so you should be able to find what you are looking for pretty easily. If you can't find what you are looking for, try typing a key word , for example GM Crops' into the search blog bar at the top of the page.
I would really appreciate any comments or views on any of the posts you may use. Just click on the 'add a comment' button below each one.
2 comments:
Animal Farm is a really interesting way of looking at selective breeding and genetic engineering, but its all a bit extreme. I don't think there is a necessity for super strong cows or featherless chickens, it's not as if they will save millions of lives. However, it's clear to see the potential of golden rice** that can save 2.5 Million people per year. When break-throughs like this are made, its such a shame to see them put on hold whilst millions carry on dying,simply because people are afraid of GM and too ignorant to fully understanding it. Animal Farm is a real eye-opener, all though I believe it was orginally aire (as with most biological channel 4 shows) as some sort of modern day freak show/ scare fest, its a really good way to learn about the potential of science with todays technology.
** http://youtube.com/watch?v=2o7RkJGW10k&feature=related
I feel sorry for that poor cow to be honest!
Also, sperm by sperm analysis? That's gotta be a fun job, I don't think.
To be honest, I just don't think that's right, it's one thing breeding things for their own advantage or if it doesn't affect the way they live, but those bulls did not look happy, and it can't be easy lumbering around when you weigh a ton. Also, when he was asked if they were healthy, his reply was "as healthy as any other intensively farmed animal", which says to me they aren't as healthy as normal animals. I think this is a step too far.
Post a Comment