The Economist Reading Challenge Week 4: Article 1

1. Which of the following would most likely be classified as a chimera?

-> One example is “chimeras”, organisms which, a bit like the mythological beast, are formed from cells of two distinct species.

A. A genetic mix of two members of the same species
-> No, to form a chimera, we need two cells of two distinct species.

B. An animal born to one species but raised by another
-> It's not about raising by different species. A chimera was formed/born from cells of two distinct species.

C. The experimental subjects discussed in the passage Correct
-> Yes. Chimeras are the experimental subjects discussed in the passage.

D. A dog that has a wolf ancestor
-> As they are from the same species, we can not say them Chimeras.

E. A creature that would not survive in the real world
-> 'Scientists have already produced goat-sheep and mouse-rats' This creature survives in the real world.

The reasoning the author uses to support the use of human chimeras is most similar to the reasoning used to support the

'Despite those concerns, the potential benefits outweigh the risks'
'This particular bit of research was inspired by a desire to grow human organs in the bodies of animals, from where they could eventually be used for transplants. Easing the long-standing worldwide shortage of transplantable organs could save many lives'

Author's conclusion: the potential benefits outweigh the risks
Reasoning:
- Grow human organs in the bodies of animals
- Use these organs for transplants
- Availability of organs will ease the shortage of transplantable organs, and this action could save many lives.
Prethink:
The most similar reasoning will have risks and benefits, but the benefits exceed the risks. We will support the reasoning by showing that new things will grown on something. It will be unethical. And it will help to reduce something for a good purpose.

A. cutting of a part of an infected limb to save the whole body.
-> Yes, there are benefits and risks. But there is no new thing that helps to reduce something. It is related with cutting the existing part.

B. invention of new weapons to deter aggressors.
-> We need something that have to be grown on other things. There is no such things in case of inventing new weapons.

C. investment in a new business that may or may not succeed.
-> the potentiality of success does not go with the logic

D. conduction of research on animals that may bite you if not handled carefully.
-> This option deals with careful monitoring of research, no relation with the reasoning.

E. building of a low-cost housing project on the grounds of an old cemetery. Correct
-> building of a low-cost housing project on the grounds of an old cemetery( Growing human organs in the bodies of animals)
->Just as Chimeric experiments are not ethical, so building of a low-cost housing project on the grounds of an old cemetery is not ethical.
-> Both have potential benefits to ease the shortage.