Current Events: DNA Uncovers One of the World's Rarest Birds

DNA Uncovers One of the World's Rarest Birds
November 23, 2010
University of Adelaide
Science Daily
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101123102403.htm

Researchers at the University of Adelaide  and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy have recently discovered the difference between Western and Eastern Ground Parrots. Scientists tested samples of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) from many samples, some were over 160 years old and found many genetic traits that differed between the two different types of ground parrots. This therefore proves that since their are two different types of ground parrots, one is endangered. The Western Ground Parrots are one of the rarest birds in the world, and according to researchers, there are only about 110 left in the wild. Since most of them live in national parks, scientists say that a wildfire or the introduction of a new predator such as a cat, could push this species to extinction. Overall, this newly discovered species is already in danger of extinction.
 This is an important discovery because it could possibly lead to the the discovery of other new species. If we use the technology we could be able to tell the difference between similar animals and could help teach us a lot about our planet. Also, this could help classify the animal kingdom.In addition, if scientists can run theses kinds of tests on plants, they could potentially find cures for diseases by finding certain chemicals. This can also be used to improve agriculture. For instance if a certain species has a trait that others do not, it can be singled out and used to improve plant growth. Western Ground Parrots are currently endangered, if the scientists had done a study a couple years later, the most likely wouldn't have been able to find any specie in the wild. This also shows how we should take care of the environment and preserve our national forests.

All in all, I found this article very interesting and learned a lot about how even the slightest change in an animal or plants genetic code could make it an entirely different species. I found the section about how they tested the DNA of different types of birds especially fascinating and would like to know more about it. This article was written by the University of Adelaid, with information from the Australian Wildlife Concervancy, so you know all of the information is correct and up to date. I found this article very interesting and would like to know more about how the tested the birds DNA.
Overall, this article was very interesting and taught me a lot about how even the slightest change in a group of animals genetics can make it a different specie. This new technology could also lead to the discovery of new species and  teach us a lot more about the environment. Also, this new information could help society grow better crops, develop new medicines, and finding new information about the animal kingdom. For hundreds of years nobody knew there was a difference between eastern and western ground parrots, but scientists discovered that they were not the same. In conclusion, Western Ground Parrots are endangered and in need of help, and new technologies make it possible to tell the difference between closely related species.