Stunning Science

By: Vibhav Kuturu & Ryan Mathew

Learn About Science Around The World

Is Reviving Extinct Animals a Good Idea?

By: Ryan Mathew

Dire Wolves Emerge After 12,000 Years

Recent developments that have been created that relate to reviving extinct animals have allowed for the company Colossal Biosciences to revive the dire wolf, with their eyes set on resurrecting the woolly mammoth next. New ideas about the resurrection of these extinct animals have emerged, and it has been a genuine prospect of this company to bring back some of these animals. People have been excited about the recent revival of some of these creatures and have been ecstatic about the idea of seeing the woolly mammoth and dodo birds, but there has been cause for speculation. It is up to us, the people, to decide whether or not the de-extinction of these animals is a good thing.

The dire wolves that have been brought back from extinction last lived on Earth 12,500 years ago, and are officially the first animal in the world that have been revived from extinction. The scientists at Colossal have been able to bring back three dire wolf pups from extinction, using the methods of cloning, ancient DNA, and the ability to edit DNA. It is important to note that these dire wolves are not the original species, but hybrids that look just like the dire wolves that roamed North America 12,500 years ago. Gray wolves were utilized in making these dire wolves, but there are many key differences between them. Dire wolves were much larger than gray wolves, but had a slightly wider head, light and thick fur and stronger jaws. These pups are the first of a new generation, a beacon of light for the dire wolves, and the future of extinct animals as a whole.

Extinct or De-Extinction; That Is The Question

Reviving extinct animals would have huge impacts on our society, them being both positive and negative. One reason that many people support the idea is because scientists could reintroduce these extinct animals into these environments, causing populations to boom and enhancing genetic diversity. Another way that this new technology could help environmental causes is by removing harmful mutations from a species, and allowing many endangered species to adapt to climate change or any other major differences that may occur to their environment. Another argument that does support the idea of de-extinction is that the idea that extinction can be reversible is a great idea, and inspires imagination into the hearts of those enthusiastic about the environments that once were. The idea of actually being able to see a wooly mammoth or a dodo bird in real life is intriguing, and fuels the hearts of many who support the idea. A final reason that de-extinction would be a good idea in practice is that it allows for certain animals with important roles that are now extinct can be restored to what they once were, and benefit the environment.

Even though de-extinction may sound fun and interesting, it does have consequences and problems that we need to consider in using it. For example, the huge amounts of money that are used to fund these programs have led critics to wonder: Why are we spending millions of dollars to restore a few species, when humanity is causing more creatures to go extinct every day. Another reason to not bother trying to revive these creatures is revealed when we look at how we treat our own environment. If we keep dumping waste into rivers, polluting our atmosphere, and destroying forests, these animals that have been revived would have a home anymore. There wouldn’t be a place for them to be introduced, thus causing the loss of millions of dollars and the extinction of more animals. The idea of conservation isn’t just avoiding problems like these, and not addressing them, but is supposed to find a future for these animals, instead of just reviving a completely different species. A final reason that de-extinction would harm animals more than it would heal them is because most animals that are used to revive these extinct animals are forced to go through pain and suffering. Although the idea of seeing a wooly mammoth in its former home would be exciting, we first need to combat the real problems that are causing these animals to go extinct.

Conclusion

Extinction is a reminder of all of the things that we do to the planet, and while the vast majority of creatures have gone extinct without human influence, many have had to deal with the human race. Let’s take the wooly mammoth for example; scientists believe that one of the main reasons that it went extinct was because of hunting, which resulted in the extinction of the species. This example is one of the many animals that show how these extinct creatures have been forced to become extinct because of us. The raging tide of the human race keeps on knocking down these species again and again. Even now, we are burning fossil fuels, polluting the atmosphere, and destroying forests for our own benefit. Although there is a divide between those who want to revive extinct animals and those who don’t, the consensus falls down to the idea of conservation; keeping land and environments safe for the animals and creatures that are alive right now.

Works Cited:

Sharks Coming to Us? Why?

By: Vibhav Kuturu

What is Happening?

Several reports have shown more sharks in the North Eastern coast of the United States. For example, New York’s Long Island and Cape Cod, had suspected shark sightings near the coast, and according to the Director of Florida Shark Research Center; she says that the shark attacks in the year have been the same, but the amount has been growing in the North Eastern, and warnings have been increasing.

Therefore, due to these attacks; researchers are analyzing these attacks, and the number of sharks is growing to find our reasons. However, these sharks are not targeting the humans, rather they are targeting the food in the oceans. Near the coast, scientists and researchers believe that the sharks are sighting for more food in the ocean. Leaders and authorities are stating that even though they might look aggressive, their target is not humans, as they mostly come near the shore for food.

How does Shark Attacks Relate to This?

The shark attacks relate to this as food is becoming scarce in the oceans, and sharks are wanting to come closer to the shore, thinking that they can find more food. Other reasons can vary, but Miami news mentions that sharks are also wanting to come closer to warmer waters.

A researcher and Florida Tech states that, "These sharks don’t want to be too cold, or too hot.”

This is suggesting that these sharks are coming to the shore for better temperatures. As climate change continues to affect wildlife; it is affecting the temperature and it is forcing animals to move out of their habitats for new habitats.

Witnesses who saw the shark were “terrified”, and described it as a "monster". Researchers mention that these Great White Sharks can grow long, and can grow up to 18 feet long explaining why witnesses are calling it a monster. One recalled that the shark was around their boat for 20 minutes, and then soon left. People like Wiggins mentioned that this sighting is rare, and had only seen the great white shark twice.

What if you go to a Florida beach?

If you are planning to go to Florida over spring break, there are several tips to keep you safe from a shark or other events.

If you are planning to swim on the waters, you have to be cautious as great white sharks like to target individuals. A solution is that you can travel in groups, and you have lower chances of getting a shark bite.
Even when swimming in a group you have to be cautious, and so you have to stay near shore, and not go somewhere isolated. This can lead to dangers as there can be many sharks,
You should also never swim in darkness because you would not be able to see the sharks, and it would be hard for you to call for assistance.
You also need to know for clues as well. If there are diving sea birds, and feeding activity there are probably sharks near the area.
Do not do a lot of splashing, as it may draw the shark's attention.

Click here, If you want to see more tips

Otherwise, these shark attacks can have different reasons and causes. Climate change is a huge effect, because it is forcing sharks to find better food, and better climates. Many organizations are already working to get these animals in better conditions. Experts continue to say that if you see a shark, it does not always mean it will attack you because on the shore, there can be a lot of food. However you should be cautious of your surroundings, and if you see a shark go the opposite way so you do not have to disturb the shark.

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