Questions 17 to 20 are based on the following conversation between Dr. Smith and his student. You have 20 seconds to read Questions 17 to 20.W: Dr. Smith, there is now the question of being able to patent the new species of animals created by means of genetic engineering. What do you find so objectionable about thatM: The US patent office has recently decided that any animal on this planet can be patented! With the exception of man, that is. Well, what does this mean, exactly. It means that if you put a gene into an animal, you can claim that animal as your invention. Of course this is totally absurd. The patent office has, therefore, reduced the whole biological kingdom to the status of a commodity -a manufactured good, like an electric toaster or a car.In fact, they said living things are to be considered manufactured processes and compositions of matter.W: Well, I would agree with you that the idea is rather absurd. But, from a practical point of view.., surely you must agree that if millions of dollars have been spent developing a particular variety of rabbit by a company or university...well, surely they are entitled to protect their investment in a legal way.M: They are not entitled to take the common inheritance of this planet and turn it into private property. Horse, cows, sheep and goats.., even mice, have been here for millions of years. They are no one’s property. The idea of patenting them strains the bounds of rational thought.And this trend will have dramatic implications for farmers. If this patenting goes ahead, and spreads in Europe, it’ll mean that farmers will have to buy patented animals from chemical companies.., and pay royalties on their young.And every time farmers want to sell their animal, they will have to pay patent royalties. This is not only absurd, it’s thrilling.W: I think you’re right in this matter. Thanks. What has the US patent office recently said can be patented().

A. Status of a commodity.
B. Any animal except man.
C. Manufactured goods.
D. Any invention, like a car.