If an individual's DNA could be straightened out flat it would be about 2
metres long. If the DNA of a Japanese alpine plant, Paris japonica, were
straightened out, it would be longer than the height of Big Ben (about 95
metres). But, with only 25,000 genes, we've no need to feel inferior to the
plant's 1,250,000 genes. Most of the latter are duplicates and quadruplets
and, in any case, our DNA has the ability to permutate so many different
coalitions of genes that we have vastly more flexibility to survive. Paris
japonica, in fact, is in danger of extinction. It, and many more hitherto
unknown plant species, have been saved -- for now -- by the scientists at
Kew Gardens who go around the world searching for rare species and to store
their seed.
What about Magnistipula multinervia also? This is a 40 metres high tree
living in the lush rain forests of Cameroon. There are only four of these
left in the wild -- but now saved from extinction by Kew Gardens. Quite
besides the satisfactions of scientific curiosity and warm feelings of
stewardship for the astonishing diversity of life on the planet, why should
we be thankful for saving Paris japonica and Magnistipula multinervia? It's
very simple. They might have unique genes, the knowledge of which we'll be
very glad of in the coming years. They might even be life-saving. We thus
have very selfish reasons for saving as many species as possible even
though the economic text books don't mention this important activity yet.
Keith
Keith Hudson, Saltford, England
<http://allisstatus.wordpress.com/2010/12/>http://allisstatus.wordpress.com/2010/12/
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