TEDTalks: Ancient Clues Season 1 Episode 13 Hendrik Poinar: Bring Back the Woolly Mammoth!

Hendrik Poinar is an evolutionary biologist with a mission: to bring back the woolly mammoth. In this episode of TEDTalks: Ancient Clues, Poinar explores the science behind de-extinction and the feasibility of reviving these ancient creatures.

Poinar begins by discussing the importance of understanding the reasons behind the woolly mammoth's extinction. He explains that the extinction was likely caused by a combination of factors, including climate change and human hunting. By examining preserved mammoth DNA, Poinar and his team are able to better understand the genetic makeup of these ancient animals and their ability to withstand harsh environments.

Using this information, Poinar proposes a plan to bring back the woolly mammoth through a process known as de-extinction. This involves using modern biotechnology to recreate the genetic code of the woolly mammoth and introduce it into the DNA of modern elephants. By doing so, Poinar hopes to create a hybrid animal that possesses many of the same traits as the woolly mammoth, including its impressive size, thick woolly coat, and ability to survive in cold climates.

Poinar's plan is not without controversy, however. Critics argue that de-extinction is an unnecessary and potentially harmful pursuit that detracts from efforts to protect endangered species. Poinar acknowledges these concerns but argues that de-extinction can serve as a valuable tool for conservation, particularly in cases where species have become extinct due to human activity.

Throughout the episode, Poinar presents both the potential benefits and risks of his proposed de-extinction plan. He acknowledges that the technology is still in its infancy and that there are many scientific and ethical considerations that must be taken into account before moving forward.

Overall, Hendrik Poinar's TEDTalks: Ancient Clues episode is a fascinating exploration of the science behind de-extinction and the potential implications of bringing back extinct species. Whether or not the woolly mammoth is ultimately brought back to life, Poinar's research is sure to have a lasting impact on the field of evolutionary biology.