Nullius in Verba

Friday, February 10, 2012

Humanzee

"The human genome and the chimpanzee genome are now known in full. Intermediate genomes of varying proportions can be interpolated on paper. Moving from paper to flesh and blood would require embryological technologies that will probably come on stream during our lifetime. I think it will be done, and an approximate reconstruction of the common ancestor of ourselves and chimpanzees will be brought to life. The intermediate genome between this reconstituted 'ancestor' and modern humans would, if implanted in an embryo, grow into something like a reborn Australopithecus." - Richard Dawkins (Biologist, Oxford University)

We've all heard of  hybrids such as Tions and Ligers and Mules. But a few months ago, a rare Donkra was born in Haicang Zoo in China. Humans and chimps are just as genetically related to each other as a Zebra and Donkey - probably closer.

So, the question is: If (when) we have a human-chimp hybrid how should we treat it? Would it be ok to use it as a slave? Would it be immoral to eat it? Would it be murder if someone killed it? Should it have rights?

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