De-Extinction of Dire Wolves

A Texas-based genetics company, recently announced the "de-extinction" of dire wolves, sparking interest and controversy. The company is known for its efforts to bring back extinct species like the mammoth, the Tasmanian tiger, and the dodo.

About Dire Wolves

• Dire wolves were large canines that went extinct around 11,000 years ago.
• Colossal claims to have bred three dire wolf pups named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi.

Genetic Engineering Process

• DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old ear-bone was analyzed.
• Genome comparisons were made between dire wolves and gray wolves.
• CRISPR Cas9 technology was used for gene-editing to create a hybrid resembling dire wolves.

Scientific and Genetic Considerations

• Some 20 gene edits were made in 14 genes to achieve desired traits.
• The hybrids are over 99.5% gray wolf, with notable physical differences.
• Genetic differences exist between dire wolves and gray wolves, making the pups genetically modified hybrids rather than true dire wolves.

Conservation Implications

• Dire wolves were apex predators in North America during the Pleistocene.
• The project showcases the potential of genetic engineering in conservation.
• Techniques may aid in addressing inbreeding and genetic issues in endangered species.
• Colossal aims to revive other species like the mammoth, dodo, and thylacine, and support endangered species.

Ethical and Environmental Concerns

• There are concerns about the feasibility and consequences of resurrecting extinct species.
• Potential impacts on ecosystems and ethical considerations are significant.
• Historically, introducing species into new environments has led to ecological disasters.