The idea of resurrecting extinct species using genetic engineering has sparked controversy among scientists. Revive & Restore, an organization founded by George Church and Stuart Brand, aims to genetically save endangered and extinct species. They propose using hybrid animals created through CRISPR technology, such as reintroducing the extinct passenger pigeon and boosting the population of endangered Asian elephants. This technology not only aims to bring back extinct species but also prevent future extinctions.
In 2018, Brand and Church visited Siberia, where Russian scientists are recreating the grassland ecosystem for woolly mammoths. Mammoth-Asian elephant hybrids could potentially inhabit Russia again. However, there are concerns about releasing these hybrids into a world without natural predators and without other animals to learn from. Some experts argue that these animals may suffer as a result.
Additionally, there are ethical concerns about potentially resurrecting a Neanderthal for commercial or scientific purposes. Some argue that this idea is morally wrong.
Overall, the concept of resurrecting extinct animals through genetic engineering is causing debate among scientists, with considerations on the impact on ecosystems and ethical implications.
Scientists are fervently working towards resurrecting the passenger pigeon, a species that tragically went extinct in 1914. Through the process of sequencing the genomes of 32 specimens, they hope to unravel the genetic instructions necessary for recreating this unique bird. Novak, the lead researcher, emphasizes, "If we succeed, the world will have a new bird species. If we fail, we will learn valuable things and there will not be another extinct species left in the world." Furthermore, Novak acknowledges the significance of the project, stating, "This is exactly the period when the bird was dying out." This ambitious endeavor not only holds the promise of potentially bringing back a lost species but also shedding light on the decline and extinction of the passenger pigeon.
Scientists have successfully sequenced the entire genome of the long-extinct woolly mammoth, providing new insights into their disappearance. The researchers focused on two mammoths—one from Wrangel Island and another from mainland Siberia—to investigate genetic diversity. They found that the Wrangel Island mammoths had reduced genetic diversity compared to their mainland counterparts, suggesting this contributed to their extinction."If you don't have diversity, it's a challenge." - Biologist Lan Barnes
The study also identified two major population declines in mammoth history, believed to have occurred around 250,000-300,000 years ago and 12,000 years ago. Scientists believe this research can enhance understanding of extinction causes and genetic factors involved. "Your genome is your toolkit for getting out of trouble. For a species, having a variety of different tools is a big advantage." - Biologist Lan Barnes. Decreased genetic diversity is generally considered detrimental to a species' survival as it reduces their adaptability to changing environments or diseases.
Pygmy elephants, once found in the islands of Crete, Cyprus, and Malta, shared the planet with modern humans. Science professor Adrian Lister highlights the alarming future that awaits their close relatives, the African and Asian elephants, as human activities continue to fragment their populations. "People are more likely to drive all species to extinction on islands than on the mainland," warns Lister. The extinction of woolly mammoths on St. Paul Island, Alaska, 5600 years ago, was caused by rising sea levels that shrank the island, resulting in water scarcity. "Climate change has kind of beaten the crap out of these elephants." - Professor Ross McPhee. Despite debates over whether humans or climate change played a bigger role, these extinctions exemplify the challenges faced by elephant conservation efforts.
Bot give me restate claim, summarize, why is this important, why should the reader agree with you, call to action
Restated Claims:
1. The idea of resurrecting extinct species using genetic engineering has sparked controversy among scientists.
2. Revive & Restore aims to genetically save endangered and extinct species by using CRISPR technology.
3. There are concerns about releasing hybrid animals into ecosystems without natural predators or other animals to learn from.
4. Ethical concerns exist regarding potentially resurrecting a Neanderthal for commercial or scientific purposes.
Summary:
Scientists are divided over the idea of using genetic engineering to resurrect extinct species. Revive & Restore proposes the use of CRISPR technology to save endangered and extinct species, but concerns about releasing hybrid animals without natural predators and ethical implications persist.
Importance:
The concept of genetically resurrecting extinct animals holds the potential to bring back lost species and provide insights into their decline and extinction. It also aims to prevent future extinctions and enhance understanding of genetic factors involved in survival and adaptability.
Agreement:
Readers should consider the significant benefits of bringing back extinct species and preventing further extinctions, but should also weigh the potential risks and ethical concerns associated with such genetic engineering projects.
Call to Action:
Scientists, policymakers, and the public should engage in informed discussions and debates about the impact of genetic engineering on ecosystems, ethical considerations, and the conservation of endangered species. These conversations should inform future decisions regarding the use of CRISPR technology and the resurrection of extinct species.