Should Scientists Bring Extinct Species Back to Life?
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Marhaban everyone! my name is Bilel and I'm from Tunisia . I have a bachelor's degree in English (International Relations). I have worked as a translator, International Business Developer and a director in a teaching center. After COVID, I started my carrier as a part-time English teacher in Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia. I'm an ambitious person, and never give up my dream of working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tunisia, and why not be an ambassador someday!?
I'm thrilled to see you all in the Langclub sessions.
Topic guide Optional
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1-minute overview
De-extinction is the attempt to create animals that closely resemble extinct species, using tools such as ancient-DNA analysis, selective breeding, cloning, and gene editing. It is no longer purely science fiction: researchers and companies are developing projects involving animals such as the woolly mammoth, dodo, and thylacine. Yet a recreated animal would probably be a genetic proxy rather than an exact copy, because its original environment, learned behaviour, and full genetic diversity are gone.
Supporters argue that this research could restore lost ecological roles, improve techniques for protecting endangered species, and make people care more about biodiversity. Critics respond that habitats have changed, revived animals could harm existing ecosystems, and limited conservation funds may be better spent preventing extinctions now. The central issue is therefore not simply whether scientists can revive something, but whether doing so would be responsible, humane, and genuinely beneficial.
The debate also raises a broader question about technological power: should scientific possibility create an obligation to act, or should caution set the limits?
Supporters argue that this research could restore lost ecological roles, improve techniques for protecting endangered species, and make people care more about biodiversity. Critics respond that habitats have changed, revived animals could harm existing ecosystems, and limited conservation funds may be better spent preventing extinctions now. The central issue is therefore not simply whether scientists can revive something, but whether doing so would be responsible, humane, and genuinely beneficial.
The debate also raises a broader question about technological power: should scientific possibility create an obligation to act, or should caution set the limits?
Useful vocabulary
Approx. CEFR · Topic relevance
de-extinction
The scientific effort to recreate an extinct species or a close modern equivalent.
I see de-extinction as a conservation tool, not as entertainment.
genetic proxy
An organism designed to resemble an extinct species without being an identical copy.
A genetic proxy may look like a mammoth but still be biologically different.
ecological niche
A species’ role and relationships within its ecosystem.
We should ask whether the animal’s ecological niche still exists.
keystone species
A species with an unusually large effect on its ecosystem.
If the extinct animal was a keystone species, its return could affect many others.
rewilding
Restoring natural processes and wildlife to an ecosystem.
Some people see de-extinction as an ambitious form of rewilding.
precautionary principle
The idea that uncertain actions with serious possible harm should be approached carefully.
The precautionary principle suggests testing ecological risks before any release.
Useful expressions
The strongest case for this is that...
Use it to introduce the most persuasive argument in favour of an idea.
The strongest case for this is that the research could help endangered species.
That assumes that...
Use it to identify an unstated belief behind someone’s argument.
That assumes that a recreated animal could thrive in a changed habitat.
We need to distinguish between...
Use it to separate two ideas that are often treated as the same.
We need to distinguish between scientific achievement and conservation success.
The benefits may be real, but they have to be weighed against...
Use it to acknowledge an advantage while emphasizing trade-offs.
The benefits may be real, but they have to be weighed against animal welfare and cost.
A more defensible boundary would be...
Use it to propose a careful rule or limit.
A more defensible boundary would be to approve projects only when suitable habitat is protected.
Question list
- Ice breaking
- Main topic
- Free talk
| Q1. | What’s a belief or philosophy you’ve developed through personal experience? |
|---|---|
| Q2. | If you could leave a message for someone who needs encouragement, what would it say? |
| Q3. | How do you judge whether a decision aligns with your values? |
| Q4. | What is your favorite type of potato dish? |
| Q5. | What kind of friends do you think I have? |
| Q6. | Where do you feel most like your true self? |
| Q7. | What’s a challenge you’ve set for yourself in the next year? |
| Q8. | Where do you see meaning in ordinary details? |
| Q1. | Which extinct animal would you most like to see alive again? |
|---|---|
| Q2. | Do humans have a responsibility to restore species we helped destroy? |
| Q3. | Could a revived species survive in today's environment? |
| Q4. | Should money go to endangered animals instead of extinct ones? |
| Q5. | Would bringing back extinct animals teach us something valuable? |
| Q6. | Could revived species cause new environmental problems? |
| Q7. | Should scientific ability determine what we are allowed to do? |
| Q8. | Where should we draw the line with de-extinction? |
| Q1. | How do you think personal values change as people age or gain life experience? |
|---|---|
| Q2. | How do you remind yourself of your strengths? |
| Q3. | Do you have siblings, and are you ever jealous of them? |
| Q4. | If you could master any form of dance, which would you choose? |
| Q5. | Which is more essential for innovation: competition or collaboration? |
| Q6. | Do you think you give good advice? |
| Q7. | What helps you avoid miscommunication? |
| Q8. | How do you keep moving forward during uncertainty? |
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