Is de-extinction of dinosaurs theoretically possible?

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In summary, based on current research and scientific understanding, the de-extinction of dinosaurs is not yet possible due to the extremely long time frame and the degradation of DNA over time. While some DNA fragments have been detected in dinosaur bones, they are in such poor condition that they cannot be recovered or identified. More recent extinctions, such as the Neanderthals or Giant Moa, have a higher chance of being reversed due to the availability of DNA fragments. However, with dinosaurs, using bird DNA to reconstruct their structures would only be a guess.
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ElliotSmith
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Is de-extinction of dinosaurs theoretically possible?
Is de-extinction of dinosaurs theoretically possible?

Has any research actually been done into this?
 
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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
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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1. Can we really bring back dinosaurs through de-extinction?

While the idea of bringing back dinosaurs through de-extinction may seem like something out of a science fiction movie, it is actually a topic that has been heavily researched by scientists. While it is theoretically possible, there are many ethical and technical challenges that need to be addressed before it can become a reality.

2. What is the process of de-extinction and how does it work?

The process of de-extinction involves using genetic engineering techniques to recreate the DNA of an extinct species. This can be done by extracting DNA from fossils or using closely related living species as a reference. The recreated DNA is then inserted into the genome of a living embryo, which is then carried to term by a surrogate mother.

3. Are there any potential risks or consequences of de-extinction?

There are several potential risks and consequences associated with de-extinction. One major concern is the possibility of introducing new diseases or genetic disorders into the environment. There is also the risk of disrupting existing ecosystems if the de-extinct species does not have a natural predator or prey. Additionally, there are ethical considerations surrounding the idea of playing "God" and bringing back extinct species.

4. How far along are we in the process of de-extinction?

While there have been some successful attempts at cloning and genetic engineering in animals, the process of de-extinction is still in its early stages. Scientists have been able to recreate the DNA of a few extinct species, but there are still many technical and ethical challenges that need to be overcome before de-extinction can become a reality.

5. What are some potential benefits of de-extinction?

Some potential benefits of de-extinction include increasing biodiversity and potentially restoring ecosystems that have been damaged by human activity. It could also provide valuable insights into the evolution and behavior of extinct species. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential consequences and ethical implications before pursuing de-extinction as a solution.

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