Can We Bring Back Animals From Extinction?

Summary of Article: Scientists are discussing bringing back some animals from extinction. In order to do so, the animals must fulfill the following criteria: (1) is it a desirable species, meaning it holds an important ecological or nostalgic function for people; (2) is it practical to bring it back, meaning do we have a good quality DNA sample or germ cells to reproduce the species; (3) could we reintroduce the species into the wild, meaning are their habitats still available; (4) do we know why they went extinct in the first place? 

Click on article to see pictures and descriptions of some animals they are considering, such as the Dodo Bird, Woolly Mammoth and Monk Seal. 

Discussion with Kids:

• What does it mean for an animal to go extinct? How do animals go extinct? 
• Some scientists want to bring back animals that are extinct. How should they choose which animals to bring back? (Go through criteria above and explain what each one means).
• If you could bring back some animals, which would they be and why? Discuss why dinosaurs can't be brought back. 
• What are some animals today that are threatened with extinction. For a full list, click here. Why are they endangered? What can we do to save them? (Animals in the arctic threatened with global warming, certain rhinos in the wild).