The Infinite Monkey Cage Is Extinction the End?
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Dec 18, 2024 
Join geneticist Adam Rutherford, known for his work on human history, paleontologist Susannah Maidment from the Natural History Museum, and ex-virologist turned comedian Ria Lina. They dive into the fascinating world of de-extinction. Can we resurrect creatures like the woolly mammoth? They explore the science behind cloning and back-breeding, weighing in on the ethical implications and potential benefits to ecosystems. The humor flows as they discuss extinct species they'd rather not have back, blending laughs with serious insights on biodiversity and our responsibilities.
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Extinction's Role
- Extinction is a defining feature of evolution, with about 95% of species extinct.
- Five major extinction events occurred, and we're likely in the sixth, the fastest one.
Permian Extinction Impact
- Before the Permian extinction, Earth had diverse mammal-like reptiles.
- After, low biodiversity "disaster faunas" like beetles thrived in the post-apocalyptic world.
De-extinction: Science or Fiction?
- De-extinction, bringing back extinct species, seems like science fiction.
- It raises questions about the possibility and ethics of such an endeavor.