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The document discusses the debate around de-extinction, or reviving extinct species through modern technologies. It notes that the passenger pigeon went extinct in the early 20th century due to overhunting. Proponents argue that de-extinction could help restore ecosystems and biodiversity. However, critics point out that attempts so far have resulted in non-viable offspring. The document concludes by arguing that efforts and funding should focus more on endangered species currently close to extinction rather than trying to revive extinct ones.

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125 views

Presentation 1

The document discusses the debate around de-extinction, or reviving extinct species through modern technologies. It notes that the passenger pigeon went extinct in the early 20th century due to overhunting. Proponents argue that de-extinction could help restore ecosystems and biodiversity. However, critics point out that attempts so far have resulted in non-viable offspring. The document concludes by arguing that efforts and funding should focus more on endangered species currently close to extinction rather than trying to revive extinct ones.

Uploaded by

api-383047171
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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De-extinction: a moral

obligation or a moral failing?


Madeline Ile
The passenger pigeon went extinct due to
commercial hunting in 1914

From billions to none in less


than a century

https://www.bakersfield.com/columnists/the-incredible-extinction-of-the-passenger-pigeon/article_f69a5efc-6d10-1
1e9-8ef1-5b1f89896fbe.html
Modern technologies use fragmented DNA (and
living relatives) to revive extinct species

https://reviverestore.org/passenger-pigeon-de-extinction-project-phases/
So, why fund de-extinction?
De-extinct species could restore value to the
environment
The aurochs, pictured here, used
to promote biodiversity in Europe.

https://www.eurowildlife.org/news/the-aurochs-is-coming-back-to-european-forests-and-grasslands/
Why not fund de-extinction?
De-extinction often leads to non-viable baby animals
First de-extinct baby
bucardo who died 10
min after birth due to
lung problems

https://roaring.earth/resurrected-animal-goes-extinct-twice/
Bring back the passenger pigeon, but mainly focus
efforts on endangered species.
Image taken from Revive & Restore, a
non-profit funding de-extinction of the
passenger pigeon

https://reviverestore.org/about-the-passenger-pigeon/
Sources
1. Stewart Brand, “The dawn of de-extinction. Are you ready?”, filmed in 2013. TED video, 18:09,
https://www.ted.com/talks/stewart_brand_the_dawn_of_de_extinction_are_you_ready?language=en
#t-1087950
2. Sandler, Ronald. "The Ethics of Reviving Long Extinct Species." Conservation Biology 28, no. 2
(2014): 354-60. Accessed October 3, 2020.
http://www.jstor.org.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/stable/24478503.
3. Gewin, Virginia. "Ecologists Weigh in on "de-extinction" Debate." Frontiers in Ecology and the
Environment 11, no. 4 (2013): 176. Accessed October 12, 2020.
http://www.jstor.org.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/stable/23470941.
4. https://www.livescience.com/58027-cost-of-reviving-extinct-species.html
5. https://reviverestore.org/projects/the-great-passenger-pigeon-comeback/progress-to-date/
My goals for this presentation
● Tell a compelling story
● Engage the audience
● Sound confident in my presentation

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