Effects of De-extinction on Environment

 WHAT IS DE-EXTINCTION


The process of resurrecting extinct species, whether through cloning or any other scientific method, is referred to as "de-extinction." Breakthroughs in technology and genetic engineering have made it possible for scientists to extract DNA from preserved specimens of extinct animals and then utilise that DNA with the help of a mother genetically close to the extinct species, to generate a de-extinct version of those extinct species. This technique has been made possible as a result of these advances. Although there have been some instances in which de-extinction has been effective, such as with the resuscitation of the Pyrenean ibex, the subject is still very contentious and difficult to understand in its entirety. The ethical and practical repercussions of de-extinction, as well as the ramifications of using this technology, should be thoroughly studied, according to those who oppose its use.






CAN DINOSAURS COME BACK?

Hold your breath, unfortunately, dinosaurs will never exist again in any form. Yes, you did hear that correctly; dinosaurs cannot be cloned and brought back to life since there is no DNA that could assist us in resurrecting them. Dinosaurs lived approximately 65 million years ago, which is much too long time for genetic information to have survived. On the other hand, the revival of previously extinct species is not only possible but also the subject of ongoing research. You read that correctly; in the not too distant future, woolly mammoths, dodos, saber-tooth tigers, and many other animals that have since become extinct will once again be able to roam the earth.


SPECIES THAT DE-EXTINCT IN NEAR FUTURE


Woolly mammoths, passenger pigeons, and thylacines, often known as Tasmanian tigers, are just few of the extinct species that could perhaps be brought back to life through the use of de-extinction techniques. Other extinct animals include the dodo bird and the giant ground sloth. These species vanished from the face of the earth as a direct consequence of the interaction between human actions and natural forces. Scientists are of the opinion that de-extinction may be able to assist in the restoration of biodiversity and may even be able to undo some of the damage that has been caused to the environment. This is because scientists believe that de-extinction may be able to undo some of the damage that has been caused to the environment. However one drawback is that we don’t get the exact same species as result of de-extinction. It is not always possible to reach this goal perfectly, but the purpose of de-extinction is to reconstruct an extinct species in a manner that is as similar as possible to the way it appeared in its heyday. Because of the constraints of the technology and the shifts that have occurred in the environment since the species became extinct, the newly resurrected species may have some similarities to the original, but it is also possible that it will have some distinguishing characteristics of its own.




IMPACTS OF DE-EXTINCTION ON ENVIRONMENT


De-extinction may have both beneficial and harmful effects on the planet and the ecosystem.  De-extinction has the ability to restore biodiversity and undo some of the damage done to the ecosystem. We could perhaps restore ecological balance and improve the planet's health by reintroducing extinct species. Additionally, de-extinction could offer chances for scientific research and education, allowing us to learn more about extinct species and their role in the environment.

However, de-extinction has the potential for harmful environmental effects. The possibility of generating genetically engineered animals, which could have unforeseen effects on the ecosystem, is a source of concern. In addition, de-extinction could divert resources and attention away from safeguarding and conserving species that are currently living and threatened with extinction, resulting in a possible neglect of ongoing conservation efforts.  Another concern is the potential impact of de-extinction on the ecology. Some experts suggest that returning extinct species into an ecosystem could potentially disturb the natural order and have detrimental effects on other species.

Overall, de-extinction poses opportunities and difficulties for future species conservation and environmental protection. Before moving further, it is essential to thoroughly analyse the potential ramifications and implications of this technology.




DE-EXTINCTION WITH RESPECT TO JURASSIC WORLD


In Jurassic World(2015), we see the effects of de-extinction. This scientifically fascinating method brings ethical questions and risks. The movie revolves around playing God by reviving extinct animals. This raises problems about human responsibility to disrupt nature. How will reintroducing extinct animals affect the ecology and nature?  Genetically engineered animals are another de-extinction risk. In Jurassic World, scientists construct an Indominus Rex hybrid dinosaur that is smarter and more lethal than expected. This underscores the risks of tampering with extinct animals' genetic makeup, as we cannot foresee the outcome or implications.  De-extinction poses ethical, safety, and conservation issues. Reviving extinct species may seem like a strategy to preserve biodiversity, but it could divert resources and attention from endangered species. Jurassic World warns against de-extinction. Bringing extinct species back to life is fascinating, but there are many ethical and practical issues to address before using this technology.




EARTH AFTER DE-EXTINCTION


The earth's state after de-extinction depends on the species brought back and their ecological effects.  De-extinction may help restore biodiversity lost to human activity and other factors. Reintroducing extinct species could improve ecological diversity and resilience.  There are additional risks too such as reintroducing extinct species may disturb ecosystems and cause resource competition for resources and survival. De-extinct species may also spread illnesses. The  impacts of de-extinction on the earth would likely be complex and difficult to predict and before undertaking any de-extinction projects, it would be vital to thoroughly assess the potential repercussions.


CONCLUSION


The good news is that mammoth DNA was recovered from the Siberian tundra earlier in 2013, therefore there is a good probability we will encounter the occurrence of de-extinction in the near future. Despite the obstacles such as DNA extraction and the utilization of modern technology and biology, as well as serious ethical concerns, I believe de-extinction may be beneficial if and only if it contributes to the improvement of our planet. As depicted in the film, Jurassic Park was created for entertainment rather than to fill a natural void in the eco system. Now, everything has its pros and cons, but it is up to us humans to execute de-extinction projects effectively and with care, as we have the courage to do so, in order to make Earth a better place for people to inhabit and survive.




References:


  1. Novak, Ben. “De-Extinction.” Genes, vol. 9, no. 11, 13 Nov. 2018, p. 548, www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/9/11/548, 10.3390/genes9110548

  2. Robert, Alexandre, et al. “De‐Extinction and Evolution.” Functional Ecology, vol. 31, no. 5, 30 Aug. 2016, pp. 1021–1031, besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2435.12723

  3. Seeker. “How Close Are We to Resurrecting Extinct Species?” YouTube, 3 Dec. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA1_mdiDgyk

  4. ‌“Can Dinosaurs Be Brought Back?” Depauw.edu, 2022, academic.depauw.edu/aevans_web/HONR101-02/WebPages/Fall2009/Katie/can%20dinosaurs%20be%20brought%20back.html#:~:text=Unfortunately%2C%20dinosaurs%20probably%20cannot%20be,too%20old%20to%20be%20cloned.

  5. ‌Cohen, Shlomo. “The Ethics of De-Extinction.” NanoEthics, vol. 8, no. 2, 27 July 2014, pp. 165–178, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11569-014-0201-2, 10.1007/s11569-014-0201-2

  6. Real Science. “How to Bring an Extinct Animal back to Life.” YouTube, 10 Apr. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJOXCpSHG1M‌

  7. SciShow. “Resurrection Biology: How to Bring Animals Back from Extinction.” YouTube, 1 Oct. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-0mT4oQH3o‌ Jaffa, Rick, et al. “Jurassic World.” IMDb, 12 June 2015, www.imdb.com/title/tt0369610/

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