Should We Bring Extinct Animals Back To Life?

    • Dheeraj.Jangra@timesgroup.com
    • Publish Date: Nov 21 2016 7:17PM
    • |
    • Updated Date: Nov 22 2016 3:13PM
Should We Bring Extinct Animals Back To Life?
An illustration of Woolly Mammoths

Who wouldn't love to see in flesh a wooly mammoth or a Tasmanian tiger? In fact, scientists say they have reached milestone in efforts to resurrect some of the extinct species. But, there are some thorny ethical questions that need answers…
 
Can we resurrect dinos? 
The fictitious resurrection of dinosaurs on the big screen captured our imaginations but the best reasons for bringing back extinct animals have more to do with ecology than tourism. But, even it's for tourism can we build a real-life version of Jurassic Park? One word answer. No. An expert said that "The limit of DNA survival, which we'd need for de-extinction, is probably around one million years or less. Dinosaurs had been gone for a very long time by then." We know that Jurassic Park is built on the idea of extracting DNA (of dinosaur) from the belly of a mosquito preserved in amber- the resin from trees that hardens and then becomes fossilised. Samples like this, we are told, were combined with DNA from modern amphibians and reptiles to clone dinosaurs. Sound convincing, right? No. Though amber does preserve specimens, time takes its toll, and most of the tissue will decay. Also, it's not practical to resurrect dinosaurs as millions of years after their extinction, they will provide no benefit to the ecosystem. 

So, what are animals that we can resurrect? And why?  
The woolly mammoth- a hairy, close relative of the elephant that lived in the Arctic- is probably the most charismatic "de-extinction" candidate.  Here's why? Mammoths went extinct fairly recently and because many intact specimens have been found frozen in the Arctic tundra. Furthermore, because mammoths are so closely related to a living species - elephants - scientists may be able to simplify the process by having a living elephant give birth to a mammoth.  Mammoths, like elephants in Africa today, were the engineers of grasslands keeping trees from growing onto the plains and dispersing large amounts of nutrients over immense distances. Scientists say, mammoths are keystone species to successfully restore populations of horse, bison, and other grazers.

Other potential contenders:  
Passenger Pigeon After the breed was hunted to virtual extinction, Martha the last passenger pigeon died in Cincinnati zoo more than 100 years ago. 

Tasmanian TigerThe extinct Tasmanian tiger has been brought "back to life"... in a mouse. The large, meat-eating marsupials were hunted to extinction and the last died in captivity in 1936. Because they went extinct so recently, specimens of the animal remain intact, pickled and preserved in museum jars. In 2008 scientists in Melbourne extracted DNA from a 100-year-old preserved specimen and inserted it into a mouse embryo - and saw it starting to grow.

Giant Ground Sloth: The six-metre tall giant sloth has been extinct for 8,000 years. However, several specimens have been found with hair, which has proved an excellent source of DNA.


The advantages 
 
They will help in restoring environment:  Some extinct species were considered keystones to their particular region, and restoring them could add a great deal of ecological wealth to many waning ecosystems.  For example, the passenger pigeon was vital for the whole eastern deciduous forest, from the Mississippi to the Atlantic, from the Deep South clear up into Canada.
 
A shot at redemption: Many animals were hunted into extinction and others died because of the loss of their habitats due to deforestation or human population. By replacing some of these species, we have a chance to redeem ourselves. Some say, it's our moral responsibility. 
 
A sense of wonder: The current generation will experience the return of some remarkable creatures in their lifetime. This will bring them closer to the wildlife. 
 
And the disadvantages…
 
They won't survive in the new habitat: Just because a species can be brought back to life, does not mean they can be successfully reintroduced to the wild. The ecological niche it once filled is almost certainly gone by now; Migration patterns have changed, food sources have changed, temperatures have changed. It would be impossible to reintroduce them anywhere but a zoo or wildlife park.
 
We won't learn from our mistakes: Many conservationists have pointed out that, if we start bringing back extinct animals, we won't learn our lesson - it will give us an excuse to continue with our unsustainable ways. The fear is that it will allow groups/organisations to carry on hunting the species in the belief that we can reengineer any creature that becomes extinct.
 
Will divert our attention from the endangered species: There are so many endangered species and ecosystems that need our attention. The emphasis on de-extinction methods are more costly than those required to conserve the endangered species and habitats. Our focus should be on what is in front of us. 
 
Playing god: There is a moral argument. Many say de-extinction is about playing god which can have unforeseen consequences.
(With inputs from Agencies) 
 

Should we resurrect extinct animals? And why? Let's know your views in the comments section below. 

 
 

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Comments

V.Ananya D.A.V. Public School

Animals like the mammoth and the dinos became extinct because their time on earth was over .They were never meant to continue living with us . So, we should not resurrect animals that got extinct naturally .

Sparsh Aggarwal STEPPING STONES CHD-SEC-37

No because they will not be able to survive. This time they will get extinct soon because condition will not be suitable and dinosaurs will not allow humans to live properly. they will not help human beings.

Vishakha Bhalla BOSCO SR.SEC.SCHOOL( PASCHIM VIHAR)

We can think upon restoring the extinct animals as that would help to restore the environment , but as the dis-advantages suggest that this will divert our attention towards endangerd species that are about to extinct, so first we should think about saving these species.

MANAS KUMAR BAL BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (PITAM PUR

This is a very ethical question if we are able to do that then it will be an interference in nature by the man and this will make man arrogant and proud and he will think that he is the God. First of all it is nearly impossible to do such a thing as man does not possess the power and authenticity of challenging nature so resurrection of naturally extinct species must not be done because it will be like playing with fire.

Sarath Kumar RM Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

Definitely not. Millions of years ago the habitat and the environment was entirely different. But now it could create a great disturbance to human survival.

Sarath Kumar RM Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

It''s possible for God to do wonders but when He brings back these creatures once again there''s only thing we can do. "keep our mouths wide opened and face the consequence".

R Somesh Skanda BHARTI KRISHNA VIDYA VIHAR

Very nice article on the specified topic...well done TOI NIE

Hafsa Malwat F D SCHOOL

This will help to tourism but it''s very much harmful for ecosystem.

C.Elakshme devi Amalorpavam Higher Secondary School - Puducherry

The woolly mammoth is the species of mammoth that lived during the pleistocene epoch and was one of about the last in a line of mammoth species beginning with Mammuthus Subplanifrons in the early pliocene .The woolly mammoth diverged from the steppe mammoth about 400000 years ago in Eastern Asia.It is closest extant relative is the Asian elephant.

R Somesh Skanda BHARTI KRISHNA VIDYA VIHAR

Fabulous

R Somesh Skanda BHARTI KRISHNA VIDYA VIHAR

Very nice

R Somesh Skanda BHARTI KRISHNA VIDYA VIHAR

Thanks for arising a curiosity in me ....Thank you once again TOI NIE group

Noodhan gowrishankar Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

Ya an interesting topic to discuss. If it happens it may be scientifically a great achievement, but still the consequences that will follow, we are not sure about it. So why to experiment dangerous thoughts.

Noodhan gowrishankar Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

So my advice to the scientific community is don''t try to create something which will destroy human race just because it is an achievement because technology should be used for our bettermant and not for our destruction.

S.VIDHYAALAKSHMI SHREE NIKETAN MAT -

It will be good if we keep them on cages. But one day it will break it''s barrier. It''s too difficult for us to control them.

saumya QUEEN VALLEY''S SEC-8 DWARKA

To some extent human beings are responsible for the extinction of such animals. Whereas some like dinosaurs have disappeared due to grace of god. We cannot bring them back, but in future we can take certain steps to prevent them from disappearing..

Kashish Verma Bharti Public School Swasthya Vihar

I think we should not resurrect extinct animals because they will not be able to adapt to the climate and they may not be able to survive. So we shouldn''t play with nature because it may cause harm to us.

Aditi Sahi D C MODEL SCH PKL-SEC-7

Rather than trying to restore the past we should focus on present.Even after De-extinction it is possible that they won''t survive in the new enviornment.

Vihan R. Yalamanchili DDMS P.OBUL REDDY PUBLIC SCHOOL

The resurrection of mammoths and dinosaurs would be a really bad idea as the age-old creatures would not able to survive in today''s environment. They would also severely disrupt human life. However, species that went extinct recently due to humans could be resurrected to restore the ecological balance of the world.

Vajra Yalamanchili DDMS P.OBUL REDDY PUBLIC SCHOOL

we should not bring them back as they are very dangerous and might depend on us for their living.

Archisha Ghosh VIDYA VALLEY

No I don''t think it will be a good idea to bring back those extinct animals as it will be very difficult for them to survive in this different environment. It will be dangerous for existing animals too as those extinct animals are much stronger than the present animals.

Himanshi Dhawan Saffron Public School

I think we shouldn''t try to resurrect extinct animals. All of us work on the theory "Survival of the fittest". Those who can adapt the changes happening in the surroundings will survive, others will perish. I do think that the extinct animals were and will not be able to adapt the surroundings. So, it''s better to be safe.

Ishika Jain BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (SWASTHYA VHR)

We should bring back the extinct species because as a matter of fact, we can bring them back and undo the wrong we have done by getting them to the verge of extinction. If we bring them back, it would also lead to great progress and the world would get to witness these fascinating species.

KAVYASRI R M Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

I strongly disagree.The extinct animals will not be able to live in the present environment.Instead of resurrecting them we can save today''s endangered species.

Tanya Singh BHAWAN VIDYALAYA CHD-SEC-27

The information provided was rather intellectually stimulating.

Yashaswini nand Army Public School

Bringing back such animals would be very exciting and dangerous. I would love to see them ....

Nishi Upadhyay BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (SWASTHYA VHR)

We should as it is a part of our great history on earth.

Pragyamita Basu B.D.M. International

Its better to leave everything in the hands of nature.....she better knows what is good for her children.

ROSHAN HASMUKHBHAI PARMAR PRAGATI ENGLISH PRIMARY SCHOOL

While I''m intrigued by the idea of bringing back extinct animals, some of the potential problems with this type of experimentation are explored beautifully in the Thursday Next novels by Jasper Fforde. They''re fictional and set in an alternate universe in 1985 in which genetic cloning is commonplace, and the ethical and moral, as well as practical, dilemmas that arise from it in within that world may give us a good idea of the real-world implications in our own.

ROSHAN HASMUKHBHAI PARMAR PRAGATI ENGLISH PRIMARY SCHOOL

wow so amazing!

Rajashri Radjane Amalorpavam Higher Secondary School

Animals are one of the creatures of God. No one could replace them. And replacing by humans may be hazardous. It is not fair.

B. Tulasitharini Amalorpavam Higher Secondary School - Puducherry

Nice article.

SHUBHAM BANSAL RYAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Animals like the mammoth and the dinos became extinct because their time on earth was over. they died because of the climatic changes. their adaptations are totally different from ours.

Palaash Agarwal DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL ROHINI

These animals shouldn''t be brought to life because, either of them can wreak a havoc and die because of the climatic conditions and other features that can make them unfit for adaptation. And we are going through the limit of our genetics. We are trying to bring these creatures back for the sake of us, only for tourism. Now in daily life people don''t do that they try to modify their mistake,but they learn from mistakes so we should learn lessons instead of modifying them.

Palaash Agarwal DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL ROHINI

These animals shouldn''t be brought to life because, either of them can wreak a havoc and die because of the climatic conditions and other features that can make them unfit for adaptation. And we are going through the limit of our genetics. We are trying to bring these creatures back for the sake of us, only for tourism. Now in daily life people don''t do that they try to modify their mistake,but they learn from mistakes so we should learn lessons instead of modifying them.

mayank JASPAL KAUR PUBLIC SCHOOL(SHALIMAR

no,because some animals like dinosaurs may be very harmful for the humans and can cause loss of life and property on large scale..

Jeevika Eraiyoli NEW HORIZON THANE

These extinct animals must not be resurrected as the consequences can be dangerous and even if they are tamed they wont survive much long due to the difference in ecosystem now and then. We must not play with natural cycle. they died out as they couldn''t any longer adjust with new ecosystem

SNEHA - R Kulapati munshi bhavan's vidhya mandir

Even if prehistoric animals like mammoths are brought back ,they won''t be able to survive the present weather conditions.At present we already have a huge list of endangered species.They may even be a threat to the current ecosystem .

Prakash.B Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

For each and every thing God has given a period of time... So there is no use of bringing them back to life..

Prakash.B Bethel Mat Hr Sec School

Don''t bring it back....

makhdum shaikh ST MICHAEL HIGH SCHOOL-MAHIM

We can de extinct animals like ground sloth and passenger pigeon

Ishika New era

No we should not resurrect extinct animals. There is a famous saying,"whatever happens ,happens for good". And yes their extinction was necessary. Think of a scene when you are at a picnic spot and dinosaurs are there to welcome you . Ofcourse a strange thought that u won''t even like to think. Dinos are ofcourse dangerous animals. Also, for keeping them in the habitat there will be many difficulties to face.

Sagnik Sarkar Indus Valley World School

I think we all should look forward to protect animals rather than thinking to resurrect them.

thejwas Army Public School, PRTC

even if it is possible....we must not think about resurrecting the extinct animals..especially ..those which are dangerous for human beings..., like dinosaurs ....

C.Prasanna Amalorpavam Higher Secondary School - Puducherry

No. We should not bring them back because they Can''t adopt to the present environment. Extinct be extinct itself. In my point of view this is right suggestion.

Sharmeen Khan PADUA HIGH SCHOOL-MANKHURD

Such huge animals became extinct because of a reason that we are responsible for. Hence, bringing them back would be dangerous as well as a disrespect to the chain of nature.

Darshil Shah ST. XAVIERS - LOYOLLA -2 LOYOLLA 2

We should think about it twice as they can be a danger to our lives and consequently problems will arise for us.

Jaie Thakre BLUE RIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOL

No.We should not try to bring dinosaursome and mammoths back to life.They were wiped out naturaly.We should instead try to bring back animals which haversion been wiped out by hunting by humans.

Shambhavi V Sabhahit GG International School Pune

The animals that became extinct, weren''t capable of adapting to the environmental changes around them...resurrecting extinct creatures will totally mess up the ecological equilibrium and distort the evolved food chain.....The extinct animals, even if brought back now, will never be able to adjust to the current environment...further resurrecting humongous creatures like dinosaurs could prove to be detrimental for mankind....

Tanay sinha DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL (INDIRAPURAM)

No we should not bring animals like mammoth and dinosaurs back to life because these animals got extinct naturally and their time was over on earth. Also if we bring them back to life our survival may become difficult.

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