How to Clone a Mammoth

In the Beginning

In 1979, a science fiction writer coined the term “de-extinction” to describe the return to life of a long-gone animal. In 2013, the term became science fact, with a new focus in evolutionary biology: restoration of extinct species. The goal of recreating a mammoth wouldn’t be to bring back the past but to build a better planetary future.

Today, de-extinction is mostly theoretical, but some scientists are hopeful – if skeptical, by training – that de-extinction could help deal with environmental challenges. Before exploring how to revive species, consider how they died. Extinction is as natural as birth and death. Only 1% of all the animals that ever lived is alive today; 99% are extinct. The reasons range from asteroids hitting Earth – which killed the dinosaurs – to climate conditions that brought the end of mammoths. Animals also must contend with human beings, who cleared habitats and overhunted. Species vanished, including the human ancestors, the Neanderthals, whom Homo sapiens dominated. Extinction represents a lost opportunity to derive a benefit, such as a disease remedy.

De-extinction will not happen soon. ...