Game Theory Northern White Rhino and Natural Selection
10 snips
Jul 29, 2021 The extinction of the Northern White Rhino sparks a heated debate on whether we should intervene. Can science bring back a species with techniques like in vitro fertilization? The ethical dilemmas surrounding species resurrection are explored, alongside humorous insights into genetic selection. The conversation touches on the quirks of pronunciation and conservation challenges faced by other animals, like pandas. With a mix of light-hearted anecdotes and serious ethical questions, the episode navigates our complex relationship with endangered species.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Last Male Northern White Rhino
- The last male northern white rhino died in 2018, prompting discussions about intervention.
- Images of armed guards comforting the rhino in his final days circulated on social media.
Intervention vs. Evolution
- With two female northern white rhinos left, scientific intervention like impregnation is possible.
- This raises ethical questions about human intervention in evolution.
Creating a New Rhino
- Creating a new northern white rhino requires creating an embryo by combining two gametes (sperm and egg).
- Scientists have harvested eggs from the two remaining females and preserved sperm from deceased males.