Colossal Biosciences’ claim of reviving the dire wolf has been met with skepticism, as a closer examination reveals a more nuanced story behind the genetically modified grey wolf pups.
Colossal Biosciences recently claimed that it had brought back the dire wolf, a species thought to be extinct for over 10,000 years. ‘The company’s assertion was met with skepticism, and upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the true story is far more nuanced.’
The dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus) was a highly specialized predator that roamed North America during the Late Pleistocene era.
It is believed to have evolved from gray wolves around 500,000 years ago.
Dire wolves were larger than modern gray wolves, with adults weighing up to 80 pounds and reaching lengths of up to 6 feet.
They were well-adapted to their environment, with powerful jaws and sharp teeth ideal for hunting large prey such as bison and camels.
What’s Behind the Claim?
The claim that Colossal Biosciences has revived the dire wolf is based on three genetically modified grey wolf pups: Remus, Romulus, and Khaleesi. The company asserts that these animals are, in fact, dire wolves, with a genome that shares 99.5% of its DNA with the extinct species.
However, this assertion relies heavily on a flawed understanding of what constitutes a species. According to Beth Shapiro, the lead scientist behind the project, ‘species concepts are human classification systems, and everybody can disagree and everyone can be right.’ This statement highlights the complexity of defining a species and the need for careful consideration when making claims about de-extinction.
A species is a group of living organisms that share common characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
The concept of species has been developed by biologists to categorize and understand the diversity of life on Earth.
There are two main species concepts: morphological and genetic.
Morphological species focus on physical characteristics, while genetic species focus on DNA similarities.
The biological species concept, also known as the reproductive isolation model, emphasizes reproductive barriers between species.
The Science Behind the Claim
While Colossal Biosciences has indeed made significant advancements in genetic engineering, the process is far more complex than simply adding 20 gene edits to create a dire wolf. The company’s approach relies on mutations known to produce light coats in grey wolves, as well as changes intended to alter the animals’ size, musculature, and ear shape.
However, it is essential to note that these genetic modifications are not without controversy. Shapiro acknowledged that five of the 20 gene edits are based on mutations known to produce light coats in grey wolves, which raises questions about the authenticity of the dire wolf genome.
The dire wolf genome was sequenced in 2016, providing valuable insights into the evolution and behavior of this extinct canine species.
Analysis revealed that dire wolves were more closely related to gray wolves than previously thought, with a genetic similarity of around 99%.
The study also found evidence of adaptation to high-latitude environments, including changes in gene expression related to cold tolerance.
This research has significant implications for our understanding of the evolution of Arctic and sub-Arctic ecosystems.
The Reality Behind the Pups
So, what do we really know about Remus, Romulus, and Khaleesi? According to Shapiro, they are being raised on a 800-hectare reserve where they are being observed and cared for. While it is true that these animals share physical similarities with dire wolves, there is no conclusive evidence to support the claim that they are, in fact, dire wolves.
In conclusion, while Colossal Biosciences’ efforts to de-extinct the dire wolf are undeniably impressive, the company’s claims require a more nuanced understanding of what constitutes a species. As Shapiro aptly put it, ‘we are using the morphological species concept and saying, if they look like this animal, then they are the animal.’ Until we have a more comprehensive understanding of these animals’ genetic makeup and physical characteristics, it is essential to approach their existence with caution.
- newscientist.com | No, the dire wolf has not been brought back from extinction
