Scientists are making strides in the field of de-extinction, raising hopes that long-lost species like the Tasmanian tiger (thylacine) could one day be revived. Advances in genetic engineering and cloning technology have brought the idea of bringing back extinct animals closer to reality.
Researchers are studying DNA from preserved thylacine specimens, hoping to reconstruct its genome. Similar efforts are underway for other extinct species, such as the woolly mammoth and the dodo. By using CRISPR gene-editing technology, scientists aim to modify the DNA of closely related living species to resemble their extinct counterparts.
However, de-extinction raises ethical and ecological concerns. Critics argue that reviving extinct species could disrupt existing ecosystems, while others question whether resources should focus on conserving endangered species instead.
Despite the challenges, proponents believe de-extinction could restore lost biodiversity and even help repair damaged ecosystems. The Tasmanian tiger, which went extinct in the 1930s due to hunting and habitat loss, remains a symbol of this ambitious scientific frontier.
Source: via RealShockMedia