cloning-limitations
Scientific discussion reveals that cloned animals suffer from declining viability and fertility by the third and fourth generations, suggesting biological limits to cloning.
2 chapters across 1 book
Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang (1976)Kate Wilhelm
In Chapter 2, Grandfather Sumner warns David of an impending global ecological and economic collapse caused by pollution, radiation, famine, and resource depletion. David later discusses with Walt the alarming decline in viability and fertility observed in cloned animals, highlighting the biological challenges of cloning and the broader crisis affecting livestock and food production. The chapter ends with preparations for survival and research amid worsening global conditions.
In Chapter 21, Barry leads a lecture discussing the genetic challenges of cloning and the community's reliance on sexual reproduction to maintain genetic diversity, highlighting the drawbacks and future goals of perfecting cloning. Mark tells a symbolic story about the 'woji' and evergreen trees, illustrating themes of adaptation and resilience. The chapter also depicts the community's preparations for a dangerous supply mission downriver, emphasizing the psychological toll of wilderness exposure and the need to train children for survival in harsh environments.