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How could reconstructed extinct genes increase genetic diversity in threatened species?

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Replica of a woolly mammoth with long curved tusks and shaggy fur on display in a museum exhibit, set against a dramatic painted landscape backdrop. — de-extinction The woolly mammoth (*Mammuthus primigenius*)—represented here by a replica in a Canadian museum—is an example of an extinct species that someday could be resurrected through de-extinction.

Reconstructed extinct genes can help increase genetic diversity in threatened species by providing a source of "new blood" or lost genetic variation that is no longer present in living populations.12

In small, isolated populations, species often suffer from inbreeding, which leads to the loss of genetic variability and an increased prevalence of harmful genetic defects. By using genome editing or other synthetic biology techniques, scientists can potentially reintroduce specific genes identified from the DNA of extinct ancestors into the genomes of their living relatives. This process aims to restore lost traits or bolster the overall genetic health of a population, potentially improving survival rates and adaptability in a manner similar to how introducing individuals from outside populations—such as the introduction of Texas pumas to the Florida panther population—has been used to reverse genetic damage in conservation efforts.21

While these technologies offer promising tools for conservation, they remain subject to significant ethical debate regarding their impact on natural history and the potential for unintended consequences.1