Scientists reviving the Woolly Mammoth are insane, not ‘cool
Bringing Back the Woolly Mammoth: A Cool but Controversial Idea
To paraphrase Jeff Goldblum in “Jurassic Park,” just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should — even if that something is “cool.”
Ben Lamm and Eriona Hysolli recently took to Newsweek to announce that they and their team at Colossal Biosciences are bringing the woolly mammoth back to life. This is not a pie-in-the-sky pseudo-sci fi dream that might happen at some undefined future date. “Our first mammoth calves will be born in 2028,” they declare.
“We don’t view our role as one to persuade people. That’s not our job. … What we’ve found with naysayers is that some are informed. We’ll run towards those people. … If they really know the science or the conservation sphere, and have informed criticisms, then that helps us.”
The Process of Resurrection
- The plan is to recreate the genome of the woolly mammoth from preserved remains.
- This will be achieved through DNA editing, synthesis technologies, and AI.
- The recreated genetic packages will then be implanted into the harvested egg of an Asian elephant.
- Voila! A baby mammoth (or “a cold-resistant elephant” as Colossal Biosciences’ website says.)
Controversial Motivations
Ask why, exactly, we need to bring mammoths back to life, and the answers become numerous and hideously predictable. Colossal Biosciences’ website lists 10 “core goals” for resurrecting the species that can be boiled down to climate change and saving modern elephants from extinction. Both reasons are bogus.
- Preserving elephants: How will elephants be saved with the reintroduction of mammoths?
- Climate change: If man is the primary causer of climate change, how will bringing mammoths back to life solve the problem?
Potential Consequences
There are serious concerns about the consequences of resurrecting extinct species:
- Changes in ecosystems: The climate has changed since the last woolly mammoths died 4,000 years ago.
- Phenotypes: How can anyone be sure that the genetic engineering is producing authentic mammoth phenotypes?
- Interaction with current species: How will these newly resurrected species interact with today’s species?
- Extinction of other species: How many species will be driven to extinction as resurrected animals fight them for space and resources?
This aristocratic attitude — and not which extinct species will be brought back — is the real source of terror embedded in the “de-extinction” campaign. Modern man has become accustomed (perhaps too accustomed) to massive technological change within a short time frame; in less than 30 years, for example, cell phones went from a bagged luxury to a pocketed necessity. Massive ecological change is completely different.
During Lent, Christians are reminded that we are dust and to dust we will return. We do not need to be wet clay for the playpen of mad scientists.
What are the concerns and risks associated with resurrecting extinct species, such as woolly mammoths?
Transferred into Asian elephant cells to create a hybrid creature that shares traits with both species.
The goal of resurrecting the woolly mammoth is not just to showcase a prehistoric curiosity. Lamm and Hysolli believe that these hybrid creatures, known as mammoth-elephant hybrids or “mammophants,” could play a crucial role in the fight against climate change. The idea is that these animals, which have adapted to the extreme cold of the Arctic, could help revive the grasslands and permafrost in northern regions, which would in turn combat the release of greenhouse gases. However, this idea has sparked a heated debate among scientists and conservationists. On one hand, some experts argue that bringing back the woolly mammoth could have unintended consequences and lead to disruptive ecological changes. They worry that introducing a new species into an ecosystem could disrupt the balance of existing species and ecosystems. Additionally, the ethics of resurrecting extinct species are being scrutinized. Critics argue that resources and funding should be directed towards the conservation of currently endangered species rather than resurrecting those that have already gone extinct. Moreover, there are concerns about the welfare and well-being of the revived mammoths. It is unclear how well these animals would adapt to the current climate and whether they could thrive in captivity or in the wild. Despite these reservations, Lamm and Hysolli remain committed to their project. They argue that the immense knowledge and technological advancements that can be gained from this endeavor justify the risks and ethical debates surrounding it. They believe that bringing back the woolly mammoth could be a significant step towards advancing genomic technology, conservation efforts, and our understanding of extinct species. While the resurrection of the woolly mammoth is undeniably fascinating, it is essential that it be approached with caution and careful consideration. The potential benefits and risks must be thoroughly evaluated and weighed against one another. Ultimately, the decision of whether to bring back the woolly mammoth should be made by a consensus of scientists, ethicists, and environmentalists who have carefully examined the scientific, ethical, and ecological implications of such a monumental endeavor. As Lamm and Hysolli state, “We seek to build the right partnerships, engage with critics, and foster open dialogue to address the challenges before us.” Only through careful collaboration and open discussion can we navigate the complex landscapes of science, ethics, and conservation in the pursuit of progress. So, while the idea of bringing back the woolly mammoth may be intriguing and exciting, let us remember that it should not be pursued solely for its cool factor. The future of our planet and the well-being of its ecosystems depend on responsible decision-making, thoughtful debate, and a deep understanding of the potential consequences of our actions.
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