INTRODUCTION Essay Paragraph 1:
HOOK: Did you know that scientists are currently exploring the possibility of bringing back extinct species through genetic engineering?
BACKGROUND: De-extinction, the process of resurrecting extinct species, has sparked a heated debate among scientists and conservationists. While some argue that de-extinction offers potential benefits to biodiversity and ecosystem restoration, others have concerns about ethical implications and potential consequences.
CLAIM/Thesis: Scientists should continue pushing for the de-extinction of species due to the potential for ecological restoration, scientific advancement, and the preservation of genetic diversity.
Counterargument: Critics of de-extinction argue that it raises ethical concerns and points to the potential risks of introducing recreated species into modern ecosystems.
Essay Paragraph 2 (Body Paragraph/ Reason 1):
POINT/REASON 1: De-extinction has the potential to restore ecological balance and contribute to biodiversity conservation.
EVIDENCE 1: According to Source 2, Ben Novak and his team are working on resurrecting the passenger pigeon by acquiring genetic information from preserved specimens and studying the closely related band-tailed pigeon.
ELABORATION 1: Restoring the passenger pigeon, a once abundant species, could help in the revival of important ecological functions that have been lost, such as seed dispersal and shaping of forest ecosystems.
EVIDENCE 2: The same source mentions that previous genetic sequencing of passenger pigeons indicates population booms and busts, suggesting that small populations could thrive and restore themselves.
ELABORATION 2: By recreating small populations of the extinct species, we have the potential to recreate self-sustaining ecosystems that resemble those of the past, contributing to overall biodiversity conservation.
Essay Paragraph 3 (Body Paragraph/ Reason # 2):
POINT/REASON 2: De-extinction can advance scientific knowledge and understanding of extinct species.
EVIDENCE 1: Source 1 mentions that the de-extinction process involves significant scientific advances in genetic engineering, such as the use of CRISPR technology, which allows researchers to remove and replace genes.
ELABORATION 1: The research and techniques developed in pursuit of de-extinction have the potential to accelerate advancements in genetic understanding and manipulation that can be applied to other fields, such as medicine and agriculture.
EVIDENCE 2: The same source also highlights the Revive & Restore project's efforts to reintroduce the passenger pigeon and potentially use genetic rescue to combat endangered species population declines.
ELABORATION 2: By pushing the boundaries of genetic engineering and genome sequencing, de-extinction research can provide valuable insights into genetics, species conservation, and biology as a whole.
Essay Paragraph 4 (Body Paragraph/ Reason # 3):
POINT/REASON 3: De-extinction allows for the preservation of genetic diversity and the potential to prevent future extinctions.
EVIDENCE 1: Source 2 discusses the importance of preserving genetic diversity, as it provides a broader range of traits and adaptations that can help
species adapt to changing environments and survive threats.
ELABORATION 1: By de-extincting species, we are not only restoring their genetic diversity but also preserving it for future generations. This can be crucial in combating future extinctions caused by climate change or other human-induced factors.
EVIDENCE 2: The same source mentions the possibility of using de-extinction to bring back keystone species that play vital roles in ecosystems, such as the woolly mammoth. These species could help restore and maintain ecosystem health and functioning.
ELABORATION 2: By reintroducing extinct species, we are reintroducing their unique genetic contributions to ecosystems, ensuring a more robust and resilient biodiversity web that can withstand environmental challenges.
CONCLUSION:
Restating claim/thesis: In conclusion, scientists should continue pushing for de-extinction due to its potential for ecological restoration, scientific advancement, and the preservation of genetic diversity.
Summary of main points: De-extinction offers the possibility of restoring ecological balance, advancing scientific knowledge, and preserving genetic diversity.
Closing thoughts: While there are valid concerns about the ethical implications and risks associated with de-extinction, the potential benefits to biodiversity and ecosystem health cannot be overlooked. It is through careful research, regulation, and collaboration that we can navigate the complexities of de-extinction and harness its potential for the betterment of the natural world.