Genetic engineering

1. 94

   cat on a soapboxposted 10 years ago

   What do you think about resurrecting extinct species through DNA and genetic engineering?

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   1. 73

      AMFredenburgposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I think it's a good idea if they can do it in a way that the species is strong rather than having a lot of weaknesses that will make the animals sick so that they suffer. There are species that are still in existence that are officially extinct because there aren't enough members to sustain the species; I think they should start with those.
      
      There might actually be a way to resurrect a woolly mammoth; I'd pay to see one of those!

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2. 88

   Jodahposted 10 years ago

   I think it's a good idea for species that have been wiped out due to man's intervention eg.killed for skins, meat, ivory etc. If we have the technology to reserect those species we have wiped out, then it is our responsibility to do so.
   Those that have become extinct due to disease or other biological  weaknesses may need thought.  I don't think it would be a goo idea to bring back dinosaurs and the like, or anything that our Earth can no longer sustain.

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3. 77

   Mark Leesposted 10 years ago

   The reality is that it would have to be for creatures recently extinct or going extinct. DNA degrades over time and it is unlikely that using salamanders (Jurassic park style) would be viable. DNA gives VERY precise instructions.
   
   The other concern is that so far the animals made using cloning have been prone to cancers and other illnesses giving a very reduced lifespan. It would be unwise to clone creatures for introduction into a nearly extinct species which are genetically susceptible to illness.

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