Unit A Reproduction

The cloning process appears to be quite simple. Cloning a sheep, however,
posed many biological and technical challenges. It took years of research and
technical innovations to develop a process that could produce a sheep clone.
Make a Decision
1. Carefully read the statement and the background information. Consider
each of the sample arguments provided in Table 1.
Table 1
Arguments on Reproductive Cloning of Mammals
Point
Cloning mammals is not natural, and any
artificial production of animals could cause
problems, such as diseases, for the natural
environment.
The time and money spent on research into
cloning mammals could be better used to
discover cures and treatments for existing
human diseases.
Successful cloning of mammals could lead to
attempts to clone humans.
Counterpoint
Other types of artificial cloning occur all the
time, and diseases have not been introduced
into the natural environment.
Cloning could save money and time by
reproducing valuable domestic mammals,
such as cows that produce high yields
of milk.
Scientists would only use human clones
to save lives.
2. In your group, discuss the statement on page 61 and decide whether
you agree or disagree with it. Look at the points and counterpoints in
Table 1. You can expand on these arguments or generate new arguments.
3. Search for information about current mammal cloning in agriculture
or attempts to clone humans and the concerns they raise. Use the
information you find to support your position. Look in newspapers,
a library periodical index, or on the Internet.
www.science.nelson.com
GO
Communicate Your Decision
Your teacher will organize a classroom debate. Choose one person from
your group to be the group’s spokesperson. Prepare a reference sheet for
your spokesperson. In your reference sheet, include all the main points
that you want your spokesperson to make. For each of your arguments,
consider arguments that the other side may counter with and be prepared
to respond to them.
At the end of the debate, the class will vote on the issue. Be open-minded
and willing to change your position. Vote for the most convincing arguments.
Your teacher will conduct the vote and announce the results.
NEL
2.7 Explore an Issue 63