Biodiversity could decrease if extinct species were brought back.

Question

Answer

Pro: If de-extinction becomes a common practice, there may be less emphasis and money spent on conserving endangered species.

Answer

Con: The de-extinction of certain species, like the passenger pigeon, could help reforest areas, which would help other species thrive.

Answer

Con: Cloning, a technique where existing genetic material is replicated, can be used both in de-extinction itself, and as a way to reverse any negative effects to biodiversity.

Could the de-extinction of certain species help the environment?

Biodiversity could decrease if extinct species were brought back.

Pros

Cons

If de-extinction becomes a common practice, there may be less emphasis and money spent on conserving endangered species.

The de-extinction of certain species, like the passenger pigeon, could help reforest areas, which would help other species thrive.

Cloning, a technique where existing genetic material is replicated, can be used both in de-extinction itself, and as a way to reverse any negative effects to biodiversity.

Selected claim, supporting its parent

Biodiversity could decrease if extinct species were brought back.

Pro claim 1, children below

If de-extinction becomes a common practice, there may be less emphasis and money spent on conserving endangered species.

Con claim 1

The de-extinction of certain species, like the passenger pigeon, could help reforest areas, which would help other species thrive.

Con claim 2, children below

Cloning, a technique where existing genetic material is replicated, can be used both in de-extinction itself, and as a way to reverse any negative effects to biodiversity.