The Argument for De-Extinction: EXPLAINED
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Provided by: Be Smart|Published on: June 14, 2025
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- In this conversation between the host of Be Smart and the scientists of Colossal Biosciences, students will learn about the "dire wolf" that was bioengineered, the ethical and environmental concerns of bioengineering long-extinct species, and how this highlights the issues faced by currently threatened and endangered species.
- Students will learn about genetic engineering and the crisis of biodiversity loss as well.
Subjects: Biology
Authors: Be Smart
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This technology is like science fiction, and students will find these interviews compelling.
- This topic is multi-faceted, and the host does a great job of touching on all of the important issues.
Prerequisites
- Students should have background knowledge about DNA, genetics, and biodiversity loss.
- Teachers may need to define some of the terms for students.
- The content of this video ends at about 26:00, and the remaining minutes of the video are an ad.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Students can use this video for a media literacy exercise, discussing how the media influenced public perception of this creation. Students can read or watch media coverage of the de-extinction and compare it with the points discussed in this video.
- After watching the video, students can explore some species that are threatened by climate change and its impacts. Students can discuss the basic needs of species to survive, including habitat (space), food, water, and a large enough population, and how human activities are affecting all of these basic needs for other species.
- Language arts students can write persuasive pieces that argue for or against de-extinction, citing information from the video and from independent research.
- Students can discuss and create a list of the other strategies that people need to prioritize to help curb biodiversity loss.
This resource from PBS Be Smart explores Colossal Biosciences’ efforts to recreate the dire wolf using genetic engineering. Through expert interviews and clear visuals, the video introduces key concepts in de-extinction, genome editing, and species definition. While no supplementary classroom materials are provided, this video offers an introduction to biotechnology and would be a good addition to a classroom discussion on genetics and conservation.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
