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[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

> Do you think that cloning is a bigger threat to
> genetic diversity than the current system of selective
> breeding and planting of hybrids?
> It seems to me that genetic diversity has been in
> jeopardy for a long time.

Selective breeding of both plants and animals serves the purpose of  
improving strains and in the case of plants, creating new strains.  
Cloning simply duplicates what already exists; it does not improve.  
But watch for geneticists to play with implantation. You want it,  
send us enough grant money and we will produce it. Frankenfoods.

Genetic diversity in plants is in jeopardy because the major seed  
seller, most egregiously Monsanto, are selling their most profitable  
favorites and many strains are being dropped. Genetic diversity in  
animals has increased in fowl, witness the plethora of "show"  
chickens. Genetic diversity in cattle, sheep, hogs has, I think,  
pretty much been stable, although miniature breeds have become  
popular so there are more numbers, and in meat breeds selective  
breeding has produced animals that finish according to changing  
modern tastes. Hence skinny hogs and marbled cattle.