Paragraph 4 supports the claim made in the article title by highlighting the findings of the study that focuses on understanding the genetic factors contributing to longevity. By sequencing the genes of Lonesome George and other giant tortoises, the researchers identified genetic adaptations related to cancer suppression, DNA repair, and inflammation. This research aims to provide insights into the biology of long-lived animals, which can potentially inform efforts to extend the lifespan of the remaining giant tortoises and prevent their extinction. Thus, the paragraph connects the legacy of Lonesome George to ongoing research that seeks to uncover the secrets of longevity in tortoises and other species, reinforcing the significance of his genetic material in the broader context of studying aging and conservation.
Lonesome George, a wizened Galapagos giant tortoise, was the last of his kind. When a researcher spotted the nearly five-foot-long reptile roaming Pinta Island in 1971, his species had been thought extinct for decades. During the 40 years that followed — until his death in 2012 — Lonesome George was believed to be the only Pinta giant tortoise on the planet. Now, researchers are using the iconic tortoise’s genetic material along with DNA from another long-lived turtle, the Aldabra giant tortoise, to better understand what it takes to live a long life.
In a new study published Monday in Nature Ecology and Evolution, the researchers sequenced Lonesome George and his fellow giant tortoises’ genes to compare the common genetic links among other long-living animals — such as naked mole rats, bats, some species of whales and humans. They found a set of genetic adaptations related to cancer suppression, DNA repair and inflammation, laying the groundwork for future experiments into the mechanics of aging. With the new insight into turtle biology, the researchers also hope this analysis might help prevent the long, lonely end of the world’s remaining giant tortoises.
How does paragraph 4 develop the claim made in the article title? (1 point)
5 answers
The section explains why turtles do not get cancer or experience inflammation.
The paragraph explains why humans and tortoises have similar lifespans.
The paragraph explains why humans and tortoises have similar lifespans.
The paragraph expands on the idea that Lonesome George had a special kind of DNA.
The paragraph expands on the idea that Lonesome George had a special kind of DNA.
The paragraph develops the idea that researchers are interested in what it takes to live a long life.
The paragraph develops the idea that researchers are interested in what it takes to live a long life. It discusses how researchers are using Lonesome George's genetic material to explore the genetic adaptations associated with longevity, such as cancer suppression, DNA repair, and inflammation. This focus on understanding the biology of long-lived species underlines the researchers' interest in the mechanisms of aging and how such insights can aid in the conservation of giant tortoises.
Their long, slow existence “has been key to their survival — from a time of overexploitation to a time of greater enlightenment and conservation,” she wrote in an email.
By targeting more than 3,000 genes of interest, the researchers could tease out the variations between humans and tortoises.
\. Lonesome George was a conservation icon, Caccone said, but a conservation icon that can also provide insights into human health and aging.
Thanks to this analysis, the researchers were able to narrow down their original list of 3,000 genes to 43 specific sequences that might have contributed to Lonesome George’s long, disease-free life.
The sentence that best helps develop the idea expressed in paragraph 2 is: "Thanks to this analysis, the researchers were able to narrow down their original list of 3,000 genes to 43 specific sequences that might have contributed to Lonesome George’s long, disease-free life."
This sentence directly relates to the researchers' investigation into the genetic factors that contribute to longevity, which aligns with the exploration of Lonesome George's unique genetic material for understanding aging in tortoises and potentially in humans.
1 answer