Stewart Brand: The dawn of de-extinction. Are you ready?

Summary

The script explores the concept of de-extinction, focusing on the passenger pigeon's extinction and the potential to revive it using biotechnology. It discusses the historical context, the role of keystone species, and the ethical and practical implications of bringing extinct species back to life. The talk highlights advances in genetic engineering and the collaborative efforts of scientists to restore lost biodiversity, emphasizing the balance between conservation and restoration.

Takeaways

• 🕊 The extinction of the passenger pigeon, once the most abundant bird in North America, was a significant event that highlighted the impact of human activities on biodiversity.
• 🔫 Commercial hunting led to the extinction of the passenger pigeon, as they were hunted in large numbers for their meat, which was sold by the ton.
• 🌳 The passenger pigeon was a keystone species that played a critical role in the ecosystem of the eastern deciduous forest, affecting the environment from the Mississippi to the Atlantic and from Canada to the Gulf.
• 🦋 The extinction of the passenger pigeon and other species prompted conservation efforts, such as the protection of the American bison, which were at risk of the same fate.
• 🐐 Other species like the Carolina parakeet and the heath hen have also faced extinction due to hunting and habitat loss, despite efforts to protect them.
• 🦏 The European aurochs, an ancestor of modern cattle, was another keystone species that shaped the landscape of Europe and Asia, and its extinction has left a gap in the ecosystem.
• 🧬 Advances in biotechnology, particularly in genetic engineering, offer the possibility of de-extincting species by using ancient DNA from museum specimens and fossils.
• 🔄 George Church's work with the Multiplex Automated Genome Engineering machine suggests that it may be possible to reassemble the genome of extinct species and reintroduce them into the wild.
• 🐦 The closest living relative of the passenger pigeon, the band-tailed pigeon, could potentially be used as a surrogate to reintroduce the passenger pigeon through synthetic biology techniques.
• 🌱 The concept of de-extinction is gaining traction, with scientists worldwide exploring ways to restore extinct species and ecosystems, as part of a broader conservation effort.
• 🌳 The potential of de-extinction raises ethical and ecological questions about the role of humans in nature and the balance between preservation and restoration of extinct species.

Q & A

What is the significance of the extinction of the passenger pigeon?

The extinction of the passenger pigeon is significant because it represented a major loss of biodiversity. It was the most abundant bird in North America for six million years, and its disappearance marked the end of a keystone species that enriched the entire eastern deciduous forest ecosystem.

Why did the passenger pigeon become extinct?

The passenger pigeon became extinct primarily due to commercial hunting. They were hunted in large numbers for their meat, which was sold by the ton, leading to a rapid decline from five billion birds to zero within a few decades.

What is the role of the European aurochs in the ecosystem?

The European aurochs played a key role in maintaining the balance between forests and grasslands across Europe and Asia. Its extinction disrupted the ecosystem, and efforts are now being made to reintroduce it to restore the ecological balance.

How did the extinction of the passenger pigeon influence conservation efforts for other species?

The extinction of the passenger pigeon raised awareness about the plight of other species, such as the American bison. This led to increased conservation efforts to prevent similar extinctions, although not all species were saved.

What is the concept of 'de-extinction' as discussed in the script?

De-extinction refers to the process of using biotechnology, such as genetic engineering, to bring back species that have gone extinct. It involves techniques like DNA sequencing, synthetic biology, and cloning to recreate extinct species from preserved genetic material.

Who is George Church, and what is his contribution to the field of de-extinction?

George Church is a leading genetic engineer who is working on methodologies that could potentially bring extinct species back to life. He is particularly interested in the passenger pigeon and has developed a machine called the Multiplex Automated Genome Engineering machine to facilitate this process.

What is the role of the band-tailed pigeon in the de-extinction of the passenger pigeon?

The band-tailed pigeon is the closest living relative of the passenger pigeon. Genetically, it is mostly a living passenger pigeon with some band-tailed pigeon traits. By replacing these traits with passenger pigeon genes, scientists aim to reintroduce the extinct bird.

What ethical and practical considerations are involved in de-extinction efforts?

De-extinction efforts must consider the potential impact on existing ecosystems, the welfare of the revived species, and the allocation of resources that could be used for the conservation of currently endangered species. It also raises questions about the natural course of evolution and human intervention in nature.

How does the script address the concern that de-extinction might compete with current conservation efforts?

The script acknowledges the concern that de-extinction could divert resources from the protection of endangered species. However, it also suggests that de-extinction could be seen as a form of good news that might inspire and engage the public in conservation efforts.

What is the potential future for de-extincted species, and how might they be reintegrated into the wild?

De-extincted species could potentially be reintroduced into carefully selected environments where they can contribute to the ecosystem. Techniques such as captive breeding and the use of surrogate species for raising the revived animals may be employed to help them adapt and thrive in the wild.

What is the significance of the 'Green List' mentioned in the script?

The 'Green List' is a proposed initiative to recognize and celebrate species that have recovered from endangered status, as well as well-managed protected areas. It is intended to balance the focus on endangered species with positive examples of conservation success.