Why it matters 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. For researchers who study aging, those will be the next targets for further experiments into how those genes actually change an organism’s life. Understanding those genes could be vital for species related to Lonesome George, said Linda Cayot, science advisor to the Galapagos Conservancy, a group that advocates for the protection of the Galapagos Islands and their animal inhabitants. 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. 6 of 7 Question Use the article to answer the question. Which sentence from later in the text best helps develop the idea expressed in paragraph 2? (1 point) Responses Lonesome George was a conservation icon, Caccone said, but a conservation icon that can also provide insights into human health and aging. Lonesome George was a conservation icon, Caccone said, but a conservation icon that can also provide insights into human health and aging. By targeting more than 3,000 genes of interest, the researchers could tease out the variations between humans and tortoises. By targeting more than 3,000 genes of interest, the researchers could tease out the variations between humans and 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. 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. 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.

Answer 1

The sentence that best helps develop the idea expressed in paragraph 2 is: "Lonesome George was a conservation icon, Caccone said, but a conservation icon that can also provide insights into human health and aging."

This sentence connects the significance of studying Lonesome George and his unique genetic attributes with broader implications for understanding aging, reinforcing the importance of the research on the identified genes.