Why Scientists Want to Resurrect Extinct Species

The video explores the concept of deextinction, focusing on the potential to bring back species like the woolly mammoth and passenger pigeon to restore ecosystems. It discusses the role of the biosphere, the importance of keystone species, and the scientific methods involved in deextinction. Ethical considerations are also addressed, questioning the impact of reintroducing extinct species and the responsibilities involved.

What is the primary goal of scientists working on deextinction?

• To increase the number of species in zoos

• To reverse human-caused damage to the biosphere

• To bring back dinosaurs like T. rex

• To create exact replicas of extinct species

How did the woolly mammoth contribute to the Eurasian tundras?

• By increasing the temperature

• By introducing new predators

• By causing deforestation

• By protecting permafrost and locking CO2

What role did passenger pigeons play in North American forests?

• They were a major predator

• They caused forest fires

• They were a primary food source for humans

• They helped create biodiversity by disturbing canopies

What is a key challenge in the deextinction process?

• Finding living specimens of extinct species

• Preserving DNA for long periods

• Creating new habitats for extinct species

• Training animals to adapt to modern environments

Why can't scientists create exact copies of extinct species?

• Because cloning technology is not advanced enough

• Because there are no living relatives

• Because environments have changed

• Because DNA is too complex to replicate

What ethical concern is associated with deextinction?

• It might lead to the extinction of humans

• It could make current species extinct

• It might create new endangered species

• It could lead to overpopulation of extinct species

What is a potential risk of introducing deextinct species into modern ecosystems?

• They might not survive in the wild

• They could cause global warming

• They might become invasive and harm existing species

• They could lead to human extinction