Scientists Bring Back Extinct Wolf

Thursday, 10 April, 2025177 words3 minutes
In a landmark achievement for genetic science, Colossal Biosciences has announced the successful resurrection of the dire wolf, an apex predator that vanished from Earth approximately 12,500 years ago. This breakthrough marks the world's first successfully de-extincted animal, opening new frontiers in genetic engineering and conservation biology.
The Dallas-based company utilized a sophisticated combination of ancient DNA analysis, cloning techniques, and CRISPR gene-editing technology to create three dire wolf pups. By extracting genetic material from fossilized remains and manipulating the genome of the gray wolf - the dire wolf's closest living relative - scientists were able to produce a hybrid species that closely mimics the physical characteristics of its extinct predecessor.
While this achievement has been hailed as a significant leap forward in de-extinction efforts, it also raises important questions about the ethical implications and ecological impact of resurrecting extinct species. As Colossal Biosciences continues its work on other extinct animals like the woolly mammoth and the dodo, the scientific community and the public alike are grappling with the potential consequences and applications of this groundbreaking technology.
Original News
Scientists Bring Back Extinct Wolf

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Words

  • apex predator
  • CRISPR
  • genome
  • mimics
  • grappling

Quiz

  1. 1. What primary technologies were used in resurrecting the dire wolf?

  2. 2. What species was used as the base for creating the dire wolf hybrid?

  3. 3. What ethical concern does the article mention regarding de-extinction?