Scientists can't decide if resurrected extinct species is real — or just a zebra

The creature, called a quagga, has baffled experts with one groundbreaking study confirming its resurgence while another debunks it.

A creature resurrected from extinction, the quagga, has left the scientific community baffled. One study enthusiastically confirms its return, while another dismisses it as a plain zebra.

The quagga is a subspecies of the plains zebra that is native to South Africa. It was once widespread in the region, but it was hunted to extinction in the 19th century. The quagga was characterized by its distinctive stripes, which were limited to its front half, and its brown hindquarters. In recent years, there have been several projects with the intent of resurrecting the extinct species by selectively breeding other zebras.

One of these projects, which is led by the South African National Parks (SANParks), has claimed to have successfully bred a quagga. The project began in the 1980s, and it has involved the selective breeding of zebras that have quagga-like characteristics. In 2018, SANParks announced that it had bred a quagga that was 95% genetically pure.

However, a new study published in the journal Current Biology has cast doubt on SANParks' claims. The study, which was led by researchers from the University of California, Davis, analyzed the DNA of the quagga that SANParks had bred. The researchers found that the quagga was not actually a purebred quagga, but rather a hybrid between a quagga and a plains zebra.

The study's findings have reignited the debate over whether it is possible to resurrect extinct species. Some scientists believe that it is possible to bring back extinct species using techniques like cloning and genetic engineering. However, other scientists believe that it is impossible to fully recreate an extinct species, and that any attempts to do so will result in the creation of a hybrid that is not a true representative of the extinct species.

The debate over the quagga's status is likely to continue for some time. However, the study's findings suggest that it may be more difficult to resurrect extinct species than some scientists have believed.

Conclusion

The debate over the quagga's status highlights the challenges of resurrecting extinct species. While it may be possible to bring back extinct species using techniques like cloning and genetic engineering, it is important to remember that these techniques are not perfect. Any attempts to resurrect extinct species will likely result in the creation of hybrids that are not true representatives of the extinct species.

It is also important to consider the ethical implications of resurrecting extinct species. Some scientists believe that it is wrong to bring back extinct species, as it could disrupt the natural order of things. Others believe that it is our responsibility to resurrect extinct species, as it could help to restore the balance of nature.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to resurrect extinct species is a complex one. There are many factors to consider, including the scientific feasibility, the ethical implications, and the potential risks and benefits.