This ANIMAL is back after 13,000 Years | The De-Extinction of Dire Wolf | Dhruv Rathee

Summary

The video explores the concept of de-extinction, focusing on efforts to recreate the dire wolf through genetic modification of grey wolves. While only minor changes have been made, the speaker highlights that fully recreating an extinct species requires extensive genetic knowledge and modifications. The video shifts to stress the importance of using modern technology to conserve endangered species, like the northern white rhino, rather than focusing solely on resurrecting extinct ones. It underscores the urgent need for global conservation efforts to protect biodiversity before more species face extinction.

Takeaways

• 😀 The concept of de-extinction is explored, focusing on bringing back extinct species like the Dire Wolf through genetic manipulation.
• 😀 A small number of genetic changes (e.g., 14 genes) are insufficient to recreate a truly extinct species; a much larger genetic effort is required.
• 😀 Even though the Dire Wolf and Grey Wolf share 99.5% of their DNA, this small genetic difference is not enough to recreate the exact extinct species.
• 😀 The speaker compares the situation to chimpanzees and humans, showing that small genetic changes do not make a species fully human.
• 😀 While genetic technology can play a role in de-extinction, the focus should be on conserving species that are still alive but endangered.
• 😀 The Northern White Rhino is highlighted as an example of a species on the brink of extinction, with only two remaining individuals.
• 😀 The extinction of species like the Northern White Rhino is largely due to human greed and environmental destruction, not a lack of scientific effort.
• 😀 Efforts to prevent species extinction should prioritize the preservation of existing ecosystems and wildlife, rather than trying to resurrect extinct species.
• 😀 The speaker mentions a UN report from 2019 that states over 10 million plant and animal species are at risk of mass extinction.
• 😀 A proverb, 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,' is referenced to emphasize the importance of protecting endangered species before it’s too late.
• 😀 The speaker visited the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, where fossils of the Dire Wolf were found, and encourages viewers to learn more about the museum and its displays of ancient animal fossils.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The primary focus of the video is on the concept of de-extinction, the process of reviving extinct species, and the ethical, scientific, and environmental implications of this technology.

How does genetic modification work in the context of the dire wolf?

Genetic modification in this case involves altering a few genes of a gray wolf to create a creature that resembles the extinct dire wolf. However, the genetic match remains around 99.5%, as altering just a few genes is not enough to fully recreate the extinct species.

Why is it not possible to create an exact replica of the extinct dire wolf using modern technology?

To recreate the extinct dire wolf precisely, scientists would need the full genome of the species and would have to make thousands of specific genetic changes. Without this, any recreated version will only be a close approximation, not an exact replica.

What analogy does the speaker use to explain the challenges of de-extinction?

The speaker uses the analogy of chimpanzees and humans. Although chimpanzees and humans share 98.8% of their DNA, making small genetic changes would not turn a chimpanzee into a human, illustrating that small genetic modifications do not result in a complete transformation.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of saving endangered species instead of focusing on de-extinction?

The speaker stresses that resources should be focused on saving species that are still alive but on the brink of extinction, rather than attempting to bring back extinct species. By protecting current species, we prevent the need for de-extinction technologies in the future.

What is the status of the northern white rhino, and why is it significant in this discussion?

The northern white rhino was once abundant, with over 500 individuals in the 1970s, but now only two remain, both elderly. This highlights the importance of preventing species extinction, as once a species is gone, it is irreversible, and de-extinction is not a guaranteed solution.

What are the implications of the UN report about species extinction mentioned in the video?

The UN report states that over 10 million species of plants and animals are at risk of mass extinction. This underscores the urgency of preserving biodiversity and preventing the extinction of species today to avoid the need for future de-extinction efforts.

What scientific technologies are being discussed in relation to saving endangered species?

Modern technologies such as genetic modification, cloning, and reproductive technology are being discussed as possible methods to save endangered species, including the northern white rhino.

What is the importance of the La Brea Tar Pits in the context of the video?

The La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles are significant because they contain fossils of the dire wolf, providing valuable DNA evidence for scientists studying ancient species and the possibilities of de-extinction.

How does the speaker suggest we should prevent extinction of species?

The speaker suggests that protecting natural habitats, enforcing environmental laws, and preventing habitat destruction are crucial steps in saving endangered species. It is important for both scientists and policymakers to focus on conservation efforts.