by Vicky Stein
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)
Responses
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.
The section explains why turtles do not get cancer or experience inflammation.
The section explains why turtles do not get cancer or experience inflammation.
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 explains why humans and tortoises have similar lifespans.
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1 answer
The correct response is:
The paragraph develops the idea that researchers are interested in what it takes to live a long life.
This response accurately captures how the researchers are using Lonesome George's genetic material, along with that of other long-lived tortoises, to identify genetic adaptations related to longevity and thereby gain insight into the mechanics of aging.
