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Exploring the Possibilities of Reviving Extinct Species and Understanding Environmental Impact

Could a private citizen get hold of a genome and use it to bring an extinct animal back to life? —Anjali Rawal | Encinitas, California

Currently, the scientific community does not possess a viable method to resurrect extinct species solely from genomic sequences. However, various research groups and individuals are aiming to “revive” extinct animals, such as mammals, birds, and amphibians, by altering the genome of extant species. This approach aims to create organisms that resemble their extinct relatives and serve similar ecological functions. An example of this initiative is the Revive & Restore project, which explores gene editing to develop elephants characterized by the thick fur of woolly mammoths. Such genetic manipulation techniques can also be utilized in endangered species, enhancing their ability to adapt to climate shifts or combat invasive pathogen threats. Importantly, these endeavors are regulated, requiring federal permits for any genetic alterations in the United States. —Robert Fleischer, head of genomics, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

The Complex Relationship Between Carbon Dioxide and Plant Growth

Isn’t the extra carbon dioxide in the atmosphere helping plants grow—and doesn’t that offset global warming? —John Schantz | Nazareth, Pennsylvania

While elevated carbon dioxide levels can indeed support plant growth by providing essential resources, the benefits have limits. Plants require a range of nutrients to thrive, with carbon dioxide being one crucial element sourced from the atmosphere. Increased concentrations can allow many plants to grow more vigorously, and some absorbed carbon may be sequestered in wood or soil, effectively removing it from the atmospheric cycle for extended periods. Nonetheless, rising temperatures and climate-related events such as droughts, floods, and wildfires pose significant threats to plant life. Furthermore, extreme heat can impede photosynthesis, disrupting the chemical processes vital for plant health. Thus, while carbon dioxide can contribute to plant growth, other factors driven by climate change may negate these advantages. —Patrick Megonigal, senior scientist and deputy director, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Tracing the Origins of Musical Instruments

What were the earliest musical instruments? And were they used for entertainment? —Andrea Smith | Portland, Oregon

Drums are often considered among the first musical instruments created by humans. Traditionally made from animal skins and wood, their durability is limited, so few have survived through the ages. The oldest known drum-like artifacts include the Folkton Drums, which date back 5,000 years and are believed to have been carved from chalk; they may have served as measurement tools rather than for musical purposes. The oldest confirmed musical instruments are flutes crafted from mammoth ivory and bird bones, discovered at various German locations and dating as far back as 42,000 to 43,000 years. Additionally, a flute made from a cave bear femur, dated at over 50,000 years old and theorized to be created by Neanderthals, suggests that early humans engaged in music-making. The flutes exhibit a pentatonic scale, which consists of five notes per octave, although the exact context of their use remains a mystery. —Briana Pobiner, paleoanthropologist, National Museum of Natural History

These insights shed light on the evolving interplay between our efforts to understand the past and address contemporary ecological challenges.

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Filed Under:

• Ask Smithsonian
• Extinction
• Genetics
• Global Warming
• Music
• Musical History
• Musical Instruments
• National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
• Natural History Museum
• Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Source
www.smithsonianmag.com