Bringing back an extinct species and scaling it to the size of an elephant is a fascinating concept that stirs the imagination and invites a multitude of considerations, from ecological impacts to ethical questions. One species that stands out as a candidate for such a hypothetical resurrection is the Thylacine, commonly known as the Tasmanian Tiger.
The Thylacine was a carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania, mainland Australia, and New Guinea, which became extinct in the 20th century. It was a top predator in its ecosystem, possessing a dog-like appearance with distinct stripes on its back. Resurrecting a Thylacine at the size of an elephant would be both an ecological and biological spectacle given its historical role in the food chain.
Having a Thylacine of such mammoth proportions could profoundly impact current ecosystems. At such a size, it would undoubtedly alter predator-prey dynamics and might necessitate careful habitat selection to ensure both its well-being and the equilibrium of existing wildlife populations. The enormous Thylacine would require substantial amounts of food, so the ecological implications would need thorough examination.
Moreover, this thought experiment raises ethical concerns about de-extinction, such as the potential disruption of current ecosystems, the welfare of the resurrected mammals, and the justification of using resources for de-extinction when current endangered species also need attention.
Although captivating, these considerations reflect the complex realities that accompany hypothetical de-extinction and upscaling scenarios. The Thylacine, upscaled to the size of an elephant, would undoubtedly invite endless curiosity and scholarly inquiry, even as it challenges modern ecological and ethical paradigms.
