In a groundbreaking achievement, Colossal Biosciences has successfully de-extincted the dire wolf, a species that went extinct over 10,000 years ago. The company’s efforts mark a new era in conservation and raise important questions about the ethics and efficacy of de-extinction.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Colossal Biosciences has successfully de-extincted the dire wolf, a species that went extinct over 10,000 years ago. The company’s founder and CEO, Ben Lamm, has invited WIRED to be among the first to see the wolves, and we were given a rare glimpse into their enclosure.
Dire wolves, once a top predator in North America, went extinct at the end of the last Ice Age.
Scientists have proposed de-extinction, using genetic engineering to bring back the species.
This involves extracting DNA from fossil remains and inserting it into a related species' genome.
However, ethics and feasibility concerns surround this idea.
Some argue that de-extinction could disrupt modern ecosystems, while others see it as a chance to restore lost biodiversity.
Current research focuses on understanding the dire wolf's biology and behavior before considering de-extinction attempts.
The dire wolves, still pups at five months old, saunter around their enclosure, unaware that they’re in the wrong time period. They exhibit characteristics that make them dire wolves, including more pronounced shoulders, a slightly wider head, and thicker haunches than modern-day gray wolves. However, there’s an inherent question: Are these wolves really dire wolves, or just gene-edited gray wolves?
Colossal Biosciences has used a novel approach to de-extinction, editing the genes of present-day relatives to produce animals that look and act like their extinct predecessors. This method relies on a blood draw from a gray wolf, which is then edited using a type of blood cell called an epithelial progenitor cell.
The company’s chief science officer, Beth Shapiro, explains that this technique allows for more efficient and less-invasive cloning. ‘It opens up more pathways for biobanking, and biobanking is probably our best insurance policy against extinction,’ says Shapiro.
The dire wolf de-extinction project has sparked a new era in conservation. Colossal Biosciences plans to produce seven or eight dire wolves, with the goal of eventually producing an animal with the full genome of an extinct dire wolf. However, there’s a concern that this approach may not be as effective as traditional cloning methods.
Conservation aims to preserve and protect threatened species, ecosystems, and natural habitats.
The main goals are to prevent extinction, maintain ecosystem services, and promote sustainable development.
Conservation efforts involve habitat preservation, species reintroduction, and community engagement.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 27,000 animal species are threatened with extinction.
Effective conservation requires collaboration among governments, NGOs, local communities, and individuals.
David Jachowski, a professor of conservation at Clemson University, notes that ‘there’s inherently some subjectivity’ when it comes to defining species. The role an animal plays in its ecosystem may be as important as its genetics. Colossal Biosciences acknowledges this concern and is working to address it through their de-extinction efforts.
The dire wolf de-extinction project also raises questions about the potential impact of de-extinct species on ecosystems. Colossal Biosciences argues that de-extinct species can perform the same role in an ecosystem as their extinct ancestors, potentially restoring that ecosystem back to a more balanced state.
However, there’s a risk that this approach may focus on ‘glitzy’ but low-impact species, rather than those that are most critical for ecosystem health. Ben Lamm acknowledges this concern and is working to address it through his company’s efforts.
De-extinction, the process of bringing back extinct species through genetic engineering, raises several ethical concerns.
One key issue is the potential impact on modern ecosystems and native species.
Some argue that de-extinction could lead to the displacement or extinction of existing species as they compete for resources.
Additionally, there are questions about the welfare of revived individuals, who may face unfamiliar environments and conditions.
Furthermore, de-extinction could also raise concerns about species ownership and control.
The dire wolf de-extinction project represents a new tool in the fight against extinction. Colossal Biosciences’ approach has the potential to revolutionize conservation efforts, but it also raises important questions about the ethics and efficacy of de-extinction.
As we move forward with this technology, it’s essential that we consider the implications of our actions. We must weigh the benefits of de-extinction against the risks and ensure that we’re using this technology in a responsible and sustainable manner.
