New Delhi: Can species that became extinct thousands of years ago, such as dinosaurs, dodos, or mammoths, be resurrected? The concept of de-extinction has given new energy to this question in the scientific community. Modern genetic techniques, such as CRISPR and DNA sequencing, have brought this possibility closer to reality. However, the process is fraught with ethical, environmental, and scientific challenges. Let's look at the facts, possibilities, and controversies of this exciting topic.
What is de-extinction?
De-extinction is the scientific process under which extinct species are regenerated through genetic engineering. In this, ancient DNA is extracted and combined with the genome of the closest living species to create a new organism. For example, to regenerate a mammoth, scientists can combine its DNA with the genome of a modern elephant.
Scientific advances: How far have we reached?
There has been significant progress in de-extinction in recent years. In 2023, US biotech company Colossal Biosciences announced that they plan to regenerate the woolly mammoth by 2028. DNA extracted from the remains of a 10,000-year-old mammoth found in Siberia is being used for hybridisation with the Asian elephant. The company claims that this technology can help repopulate mammoths in the Arctic region, thereby helping to mitigate climate change.
Also, there is a project underway in Australia to regenerate the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger). The thylacine became extinct in 1936, but DNA has been obtained from its preserved tissues. Scientists are trying to regenerate it by combining it with the closest living species, such as the Tasmanian Devil.
The dodo bird, which became extinct in the 17th century, is also a target for de-extinction. In 2024, scientists discovered fragments of the dodo's DNA in Mauritius, raising hopes of its regeneration.
How does regeneration happen?
The process of de-extinction uses three main techniques:
- Cloning: The DNA of an extinct species is inserted into the egg of a living species. For example, in 2003 scientists in Spain tried to clone the Pyrenean ibex, which became extinct in 2000. However, the cloned baby died due to lung problems.
- Gene editing (CRISPR): The genes of an extinct species are inserted into the genome of a living species. This is being used in the mammoth and thylacine projects.
- Back-breeding: The traits of an extinct species are re-developed by breeding the closest living species.
Challenges and controversies
The road to de-extinction is not easy. The biggest challenge is the poor quality of ancient DNA. The DNA of ancient organisms such as dinosaurs is almost completely destroyed after 66 million years, making their regeneration impossible. Also:
- Ethical questions: Should we tamper with nature? What impact will regenerated organisms have on the environment?
- Environmental risks: How will extinct species adapt to modern ecosystems? For example, regeneration of mammoths could harm the vegetation of the Arctic.
- Economic costs: De-extinction projects demand billions of dollars in costs, which many consider a lower priority than investing in biodiversity conservation.
Views of scientists and critics
George Church, a genetics expert at Harvard University, says, "De-extinction is not only possible, but it can help deal with climate change and the biodiversity crisis." On the other hand, Dr. Beth Shapiro, an environmentalist at Oxford University, believes that we should focus on saving existing species rather than bringing back extinct species.
De-Extinction Possibilities in India
The Cheetah restoration project in India (starting in 2022) is an early example of de-extinction. Although it is not a classic de-extinction, bringing cheetahs from Africa to India and settling them in Kuno National Park is a step towards regenerating biodiversity. Indian scientists are now considering DNA studies of extinct species, such as the Himalayan quail.
Conclusion
De-extinction is an exciting area of scientific innovation, bringing the possibility of regenerating extinct species closer to reality. This may be possible for species such as mammoths, thylacines, and dodos, but regeneration of ancient creatures such as dinosaurs is still part of science fiction. However, ethical and environmental questions make the process controversial. Do we really want to bring back the past, or should we focus on future biodiversity? This question is a major challenge for scientists and society.
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