myfrogcroaked: “Elizabeth Ann is the first cloned black-footed...

myfrogcroaked:

“Elizabeth Ann is the first cloned black-footed ferret and first-ever cloned U.S. endangered species. She was created from the frozen cells of “Willa,” a black-footed ferret that lived more than 30 years ago.“ 

So, why is this a big deal? Because, "All living black-footed ferrets are descended from 7 individuals, resulting in unique genetic challenges to recovering the species.” Willa died 30 yrs ago, but she wasn’t one of the 7. Her genome represents an important revival of genetic diversity.

Source: Revive & Restore

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