The Dodo, one of the largest bird species on Earth, faced extinction by the end of the 17th century and was officially declared extinct by humans in 1662.
Scientists are currently nurturing an incredible plan: to resurrect the Dodo bird. By combining the latest genetic and reproductive technologies, they hope to bring Dodo genes back to Earth. The feasibility of this plan has sparked significant debate within the scientific community, yet its implications and potential scientific breakthroughs are highly intriguing.
The American startup Colossal Biosciences, based in Dallas, Texas, has recently revealed plans to “resurrect” the Dodo bird over 350 years after it was wiped out from the island of Mauritius in the 17th century.
Cloning through Gene Extraction
The complex history of the Dodo is that of a truly gigantic bird, standing 3 meters tall and weighing over 300 kilograms. However, due to factors such as hunting, habitat loss, and climate change, this rare bird species became extinct by the end of the 17th century. Now, scientists hope to bring them back so they can study the role and ecological impact of this bird on the ecosystem.
The key to resurrecting the Dodo bird lies in extracting its DNA from well-preserved specimens and using cloning technology to recreate those genes. The extraction process involves searching for usable DNA samples in bones, feathers, or other remains of the specimen. Scientists can then resurrect the Dodo by inserting these genes into related species.
Supporters believe that the resurrection of the Dodo will help restore the ecological balance of Madagascar due to its important role in the local ecosystem. Additionally, this process may provide insights into other extinct species and promote environmental conservation efforts. However, opponents argue that resources should be invested in conserving and restoring current species rather than attempting to find solutions for the remnants of the past.
The key to resurrecting the Dodo is extracting its DNA from remaining specimens. (Illustrative image).
In the case of the Dodo, scientists have successfully extracted DNA samples from ancient Dodo remains and cryopreserved them. These preserved tissue samples can be used for cloning or restoring the genetic information of the Dodo.
However, scientists face significant challenges in successfully resurrecting the Dodo. First, they need a complete and reliable Dodo gene sequence. Although a large number of DNA samples have been extracted, some genes may have been lost or damaged, requiring scientists to conduct further research on gene repair or cloning.
Scientists also need a host to carry the genetic information of the Dodo. A suitable host species is essential for Dodo cloning studies. After all, without an appropriate host, even if a Dodo is successfully cloned, it would be difficult to ensure successful hatching and development.
Scientists also need a host to carry the genetic information of the Dodo. (Illustrative image).
Restoring the Dodo also requires considering its adaptability to the ecological environment. The world has changed significantly, and New Zealand’s ecosystem is different from that of the 17th century. Whether the resurrected Dodo can adapt to these changes and survive in a new environment is another puzzle that scientists need to solve.
Despite the many challenges, scientists remain optimistic about the prospect of resurrecting the Dodo. They believe that as technology continues to advance, this method will become feasible in the future. It may not only help us gain a better understanding of the lives and behaviors of species from the past but is also expected to provide new ideas and solutions for ecological protection.
Reverse Cloning through Gene Editing Technology
Through gene editing technology, scientists can directly intervene in the genomes of organisms and make precise modifications to their genetic information. In the process of resurrecting the Dodo bird, scientists need to extract DNA samples from the Dodo and use reverse transcription enzymes to transcribe its RNA back into DNA. They can then restore the complete gene sequence of the Dodo by filling in the gaps in the original DNA sequence through errors and defects during reverse transcription. This technology not only provides the possibility of resurrecting the Dodo but also aids in studying the Dodo’s genome and delving deeper into its biological mysteries.
To achieve this feat, scientists must first sequence the entire Dodo genome from bone samples and other fragments, which has now been completed. Next, they will need to edit the skin cell genes of a closely related living species, in the case of the Dodo, the Nicobar pigeon, so that its gene sequence matches that of the extinct bird. This genetically modified skin cell will then need to be used to create an embryo—much like how Dolly the Sheep was created in 1996—and be birthed by a living surrogate mother.
However, simply repairing the gene sequence is not enough to resurrect the Dodo. Scientists also need to identify the living bird species most similar to the Dodo and use gene editing technology to insert Dodo genetic information into its embryo so that it exhibits characteristics and behaviors similar to the Dodo. This may require extensive effort and careful research to ensure that their resurrection process is successfully executed.
For many, the resurrection of the Dodo bird may seem like a science fiction story, but many scientists firmly believe that advances in gene editing technology will bring this dream to light. Besides resurrecting extinct species, gene editing technology has the potential to help protect rare species that are threatened today. It can be used to repair defective genes, enhance the genetic adaptability of species, and even create new species better suited to the environment.
Despite many challenges, scientists remain confident about the prospects of resurrecting the Dodo. (Illustrative image).
However, the application of gene editing technology also faces ethical and moral challenges. Scientists need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks, making informed decisions before understanding the long-term impacts. They must ensure responsibility and sustainability for the resurrected species while respecting the principles of natural evolution.
