The Return of the Dire Wolf | Back from Extinction After 13,000 Years? | Sanskriti IAS | UPSC

Summary

The video discusses the groundbreaking scientific achievement of resurrecting the extinct Dire Wolf species, which disappeared 13,000 years ago. American biotech company Colossal Biosciences used DNA editing and cloning technologies, including CRISPR, to bring back this ancient predator. The project involved extracting ancient DNA from remains found in caves and then editing it to create wolf embryos. Three wolf cubs were born, with strict regulations to prevent them from reproducing. This innovation opens up possibilities for reviving other extinct species and underscores the potential of gene editing in conservation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Scientists have successfully revived the extinct Dire Wolf species that disappeared 13,000 years ago.
• 😀 Colossal Biosciences, a biotech company, used ancient DNA from a 72,000-year-old skull and a 13,000-year-old tooth to recreate the Dire Wolf genome.
• 😀 The Dire Wolf is larger, stronger, and more dangerous than the modern gray wolf, with a broad head, strong jaw, and thick white fur.
• 😀 The revival of the Dire Wolf was made possible by using advanced genetic techniques, such as DNA cloning and CRISPR gene editing.
• 😀 CRISPR-Cas9, developed by Nobel Prize winners, was used to edit the Dire Wolf's genome into the DNA of a modern gray wolf.
• 😀 The revived Dire Wolves, named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi, are not allowed to reproduce due to their aggressive nature.
• 😀 The revived wolves are being kept in a secure 2000-acre area with a 10-foot high wall and constant monitoring to ensure their safety.
• 😀 The success of the Dire Wolf revival could pave the way for bringing back other extinct species, such as the Mammoth, Dodo, and Tasmanian Tiger.
• 😀 CRISPR gene editing has revolutionized the process of modifying DNA, allowing precise changes and offering new possibilities for species revival.
• 😀 The project emphasizes the potential environmental impact of reviving extinct species, which could help restore ecosystems and biodiversity.

Q & A

What extinct species have scientists successfully brought back to life?

Scientists have successfully brought back the extinct Dire Wolf species, which disappeared around 13,000 years ago, using advanced biotechnological methods.

How did scientists bring the Dire Wolf back to life?

Scientists at Colossal Biosciences used gene editing techniques, specifically CRISPR, to edit the DNA of the Dire Wolf, allowing them to resurrect the species.

What is the significance of using 72,000-year-old DNA in the revival process?

The revival of the Dire Wolf used DNA extracted from fossils, with some of the DNA being as old as 72,000 years, showcasing the power of genetic technology to resurrect ancient species.

What role does CRISPR play in the revival of extinct species?

CRISPR, a gene editing tool, allows scientists to make precise alterations to the DNA. In this case, it was used to modify the genome of the Dire Wolf, making it possible to revive the species.

What is the difference between the Dire Wolf and the Gray Wolf?

The Dire Wolf was larger and heavier than the modern Gray Wolf, with the Dire Wolf weighing between 50 to 70 kg, compared to the Gray Wolf's 30 to 50 kg. Dire Wolves also had stronger jaws and thicker, white fur.

What is the reason for not allowing the revived Dire Wolves to reproduce?

The revived Dire Wolves are not allowed to reproduce to prevent the risk of them becoming too dangerous or increasing in population. They are kept for exhibition purposes and are in a controlled environment for their protection.

What ethical considerations come with reviving extinct species like the Dire Wolf?

Ethical concerns include the potential dangers of reintroducing a species with aggressive traits, the ecological impact, and whether it is morally right to bring back species that were extinct for thousands of years.

Why are the revived Dire Wolves being kept in a secure location?

The revived Dire Wolves are kept in a highly secured, 2000-acre area with a 10-foot high wall, surveillance drones, and security personnel to ensure their safety and prevent any harm they might cause due to their predatory nature.

What other extinct species is Colossal Biosciences working on reviving?

Colossal Biosciences is also working on bringing back other extinct species like the mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger, using similar biotechnological techniques.

How does gene editing technology like CRISPR benefit the study of extinct species?

CRISPR allows scientists to precisely edit the genomes of extinct species, facilitating the resurrection of species that would otherwise be lost forever. This technology dramatically reduces the time and cost of genetic modification, opening doors to preserving biodiversity.