Another method of resurrecting species is more indirect, but still possible. This method is called breeding back that involves using species with similar traits to their ancestors. This method involves using strategic mating, behavior, and specific diets of a species alive today to produce the ancestors of that species. Some biotechnology of embryo transplantation might be needed, but it is still possible within some generations of breeding.
Genetic engineering is another option for de-extinction. Scientists would compare the genome of an extinct animal with the closest living species and swap certain genes by using gene-editing tools so certain traits are similar. The modified genome would then be placed into a surrogate or in an artificial womb. This does not result in an identical clone of extinct animals, but currently alive animals to have characteristics of the extinct animals. This method is most applicable to allowing our current elephants to attain certain traits of the woolly mammoth.
It is better to use genetic engineering when the DNA sample is fragmented. Additionally, this method would be used to create hybrids of organisms.
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genetic engineering
breeding back
breeding back
Cloning
Cloning, using the DNA of the organism, is the most known method that can be used to resurrect species, however, it is not the easiest. This method is not actually creating clones, but using the same idea of cloning to recreate the species. The problem is not reading DNA nor making DNA, but how to getting a cell to read the DNA. The DNA needs to be folded perfectly so that genes are correctly placed to be turned on properly. Resurrecting older extinct animals such as dinosaurs and mammoths can be even more unlikely due to the DNA being too old or frozen. Nevertheless, cloning recently extinct animals or endangered animals can be possible. In fact, the Pyrenean ibex that became extinct was successfully cloned in 2009, but died within minutes due to lung effects. The cloning of many animals have been successful, and with recently extinct animals and endangered species, it is very possible that cloning will work.
