Is de-extinction of dinosaurs theoretically possible?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ElliotSmith
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Dinosaurs
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the theoretical possibility of de-extinction of dinosaurs, exploring the scientific research conducted in this area, the challenges involved, and comparisons to more recent de-extinction efforts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether de-extinction of dinosaurs is theoretically possible, referencing the concept popularized by "Jurassic Park."
  • There is mention of research on woolly mammoths, suggesting that while some DNA studies have been conducted, they are not directly applicable to dinosaurs due to the significant age difference.
  • One participant notes that while some DNA fragments have been detected in dinosaur bones, the condition of these fragments makes recovery and identification impossible.
  • Another viewpoint suggests that while it may not be entirely impossible to de-extinct dinosaurs, the current state of research indicates that success is far from being realized.
  • It is proposed that using bird DNA to reconstruct dinosaur structures could be a potential approach, though this would only yield speculative results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the feasibility of de-extinction, with some suggesting it is theoretically possible under certain conditions, while others emphasize the significant challenges and limitations involved, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the degradation of DNA over time, the challenges of recovering ancient DNA, and the speculative nature of reconstructing dinosaur traits from bird DNA.

ElliotSmith
Messages
167
Reaction score
104
TL;DR
Is de-extinction of dinosaurs theoretically possible?
Is de-extinction of dinosaurs theoretically possible?

Has any research actually been done into this?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
ElliotSmith said:
Summary: Is de-extinction of dinosaurs theoretically possible?

Is de-extinction of dinosaurs theoretically possible?

Has any research actually been done into this?
You mean like Jurassic Park?

Animals can be introduced to an environment (like wolves) but you need those live animals to begin with.

There was some DNA studies on the wooly mammoth but that species was far more recent than 65mya
https://www.livescience.com/64998-mammoth-cells-inserted-in-mouse-eggs.html
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: BillTre
ElliotSmith said:
Has any research actually been done into this?
The closest would be the detection of some DNA fragments in dinosaur bones, but it was in so bad shape that it could not be recovered, nor identified.

Closest to successful recovery of DNA would be this I think. But compared to the age of dinosaurs 700000 years is still very 'young'.

To say that it is not possible at all goes too far, but it is safe to say that we are so far to success that we don't even know how far that is.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: BillTre
ElliotSmith said:
Summary: Is de-extinction of dinosaurs theoretically possible?

Is de-extinction of dinosaurs theoretically possible?

Has any research actually been done into this?
Sadly, DNA from that far back (64 MYA+) does not retain its structure. More recent extinctions (Neanderthals, Giant Moa, Tasmanian Wolves, Dodo,...) are (or soon will be) reversible because we have DNA fragments that can be stitched back together from museum specimens etc.

With dinosaurs the best bet would be to use bird DNA to reconstruct probable structures - but they would still only be guesses.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: BillTre

Similar threads

How can humans know that dinosaurs looked like reptiles?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Which Dinosaurs Were Warm Blooded or Cold Blooded?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Explore Ancient Dinosaur Keratin Proteins
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Dinosaur Tomb Raider: Robert A. DePalma & Impact Evidence
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Which Dinosaur Was Discovered Almost Perfectly Preserved?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Why Didn't Dinosaurs Evolve Into Intelligent Beings?
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
8K
Itty Bitty Bird-Like Dinosaur Fossil Found in Amber
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
What Can 3D Dinosaur Feathers in Amber Tell Us About Their Colors and Evolution?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Are humans on the verge of extinction? Opinion piece
  • · Replies 59 ·
2
Replies
59
Views
5K
High School What If We Could See the Past by Placing a Mirror on the Sun?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K