There exist millions of extinct species like the dodo, the mammoth, the saber-toothed tiger, etc. It is estimated by scientists that there are 5 billion species that died, or that have been created in the world. Have you ever asked yourself if science and technology could bring back these creatures? Scientists are trying to bring back some of these species by using revolutionary genetic techniques. How crazy is that? Imagine seeing a mammoth roaming around the northern tundra.
Most extinct animals have gone been extinct because we, humans, have destroyed their habitat, introduced new species, or have killed them outright. It is also believed that because we think they are so abundant, they couldn’t actually be hunted towards extinction. It is clear we have managed to do so. Currently, animals are dying at an enormous rate of 1,000- 10,000 times faster than before. Dozens of species extinct every single day.
Many wonder how close we are to bring extinct species to life once again. It is hard to say when but scientists believe it will be 10 years or a bit more. So what type of technology makes something like de-extinction possible? It is known as precise genome editing. Scientists need three major components to do so. First: DNA. Second: Egg cells. Third: A birthing mom. DNA from organisms dating from 10,000 or 100,000 years ago can be used from fossils and tissue. The biggest problem to researchers right now is that DNA degrades over time making it a set back. They will have to fix the DNA before any clonations can be done.
De-Extinction does not mean bringing one animal of a particular group back to life. It means you have to bring back the whole species to life. If we were to bring back these animals, we should all be cautious and remember they have been brought to life once again with a purpose. Those species have a role in the ecosystem, which is now empty.
