The first Jurassic Park film introduced some of the most amazing dinosaurs to be seen on screen, and it enthralled audiences with its ground-breaking fusion of heart-pounding suspense and family-friendly charm. The main idea of the movie, which is to use genetic engineering to bring extinct animals back to life, has long captivated the public's interest. However, current developments in biotechnology are opening the door to the prospect of de-extinction.
The Science of De-Extinction
A number of scientific techniques, such as genetic engineering, cloning, and selective breeding, are being investigated for de-extinction. Through cross-breeding closely similar extant species, selective breeding seeks to recover the characteristics of an extinct species. The brief existence of the Pyrenean ibex clone serves as evidence of the limited success of cloning techniques, such as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The most promising method seems to be genome editing with CRISPR technology, which enables researchers to precisely alter a living relative's DNA to include important genetic traits from an extinct species.
Reviving the Quagga, Aurochs, and Pyrenean Ibex
One zebra subspecies that could be revived by selective breeding is the quagga, which was hunted to extinction in the 19th century. The unique morphological characteristics of the quagga have been gradually restored through the selective breeding of plains zebras by researchers. Similar to this, attempts are being made to "back-breed" the aurochs, a large extinct cattle, by carefully selecting modern cattle breeds that still have traits similar to those of the aurochs. A lung abnormality caused the cloned Pyrenean ibex, a subspecies of the Spanish ibex, to live only a few minutes. The cloning process took place in 2003. By breeding future clones with the similarly related Southeastern Spanish ibex, researchers hope to address this problem.
Challenges in Reviving the Passenger Pigeon and Thylacine
Due to its lack of intact DNA, the passenger pigeon, which was eradicated by commercial shooting, presents difficulties for de-extinction efforts. Instead, in an attempt to replicate the characteristics of the extinct bird, scientists are concentrating on altering the genome of the closest surviving relative, the band-tailed pigeon. Although the Tasmanian tiger, also known as the thylacine, became extinct in the early 1900s, scientists have managed to sequence its genome and are currently researching the means to build a functional thylacine genome using the DNA of the species' closest surviving relative, the dunnart.
Limitations and Ethical Considerations
De-extinction presents enormous ethical and ecological questions, despite being an exciting and terrifying possibility. Ecosystems may be upset by the resuscitation of extinct species, and the welfare of the resurrected creatures is also a key concern because cloning and genetic modification can result in health problems and suffering. Another issue is the transfer of funds from the preservation of endangered species to initiatives aimed at preventing their extinction. It will take careful thought and public discussion to manage the many challenges that surround this developing subject.
Works Cited:
Michèle, J. (2021b, December 28). Every Movie Easter Egg In Jurassic Park. ScreenRant. https://screenrant.com/jurassic-park-movie-easter-eggs/
Rogers, K. (2014b, August 4). De-extinction | Definition, History, Ethics, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/de-extinction
Shah-Neville, W. (2023c, March 10). De-extinction: can CRISPR bring back extinct animals? Labiotech.eu. https://www.labiotech.eu/in-depth/crispr-de-extinction-to-bring-back-animals/
Beyer, G. (2023, May 15). 6 Animals That Scientists Are Trying to Bring Back from Extinction. TheCollector. https://www.thecollector.com/extinct-animals-scientists-trying-bring-back/
Fox-Skelly, J. (2023, January 24). How extinct animals could be brought back from the dead. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230113-how-extinct-animals-could-be-brought-back-from-the-dead
Quill, E. (2015, April 10). These Are the Extinct Animals We Can, and Should, Resurrect. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/these-are-extinct-animals-we-can-should-resurrect-180954955/