Australia's Feral Cat Problem and Gene Drive Solutions

This flashcard set covers the environmental challenges posed by feral cats in Australia, the scientific mechanism of gene drives using CRISPR, and the potential risks and benefits of using this technology for population control.

Why are feral cats considered a significant problem in Australia?

They kill native animals on a daily basis and pose risks to people and livestock.

What measures were proposed by the Minister for the Environment and Water to manage cats?

Regulating when cats can go outside, sterilising them, and limiting the number of cats people can have.

What are gene drives?

Special genes that spread rapidly from one generation to the next, defying the normal rules of inheritance.

Why are gene drives nicknamed "selfish"?

Because even if only one parent possesses a gene drive, they can pass it on to more than half or all of their offspring.

What technology is used to create gene drives in a lab?

CRISPR gene-editing technology.

What specific natural gene drive are researchers at the University of Adelaide studying in mice?

A mouse gene drive that naturally spreads infertility to female mice.

To date, what is the only mammal that has been successfully engineered with a gene drive?

Mice.

How would a feral cat gene drive achieve a population crash?

By spreading a gene that makes females infertile or allows only male offspring to be born.

Why is it unlikely for gene drives in invasive species to spread to Australian wildlife?

Most invasive species cannot interbreed or produce offspring with native wildlife, and the drive is only passed from parents to offspring.

Which invasive species is the exception to the rule regarding interbreeding with native Australian wildlife?

Wild dogs, which can breed with dingoes.

What border security concern exists regarding gene-drive technology?

Preventing gene-drive animals from leaving the country to protect native populations elsewhere.

How long might it take for a gene drive to show a substantial reduction in population size?

It could take decades, even in species with high reproductive rates.

What method could be used to expedite the effect of a gene drive in the wild?

Breeding more animals with the gene drive in captivity and releasing them into the wild.

Define the adjective "invasive" as used in the glossary.

Tending to spread and harm an ecosystem or species that is not native to a particular area.

Define the adjective "feral" according to the text.

Existing in a wild state, especially after being domesticated or abandoned by humans.

What is the definition of "infertility" provided in the notes?

The inability to conceive or produce offspring.

What does the term "eradicating" mean?

Completely destroying or eliminating something.

What is the glossaried definition for "sterilising"?

The act of making something completely free from bacteria or other microorganisms that could cause infection or disease.