Should we bring extinct species back? | with Sadiah Qureshi

Item: Should we bring extinct species back? | with Sadiah Qureshi
Rating: 5
Author: PostSingularity Institute

by Sadiah Qureshi · View the channel on PSI

Humanities, Social Sciences & Thought Biology PSALife sciences: general issues PSADBioethics

🎙 Sadiah Qureshi 👥 1.8M 📅 September 18, 2026 ⏱ 42 min 👁 47 📄 science communication 🧭 2026-09-18

Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

extinctionde-extinctioncryopreservationpassenger pigeonpyrenean ibex

Summary

Sadiah Qureshi, historian of science at the University of Manchester, presents a historical overview of how the concept of extinction emerged and evolved, from early reluctance to accept species loss to the modern era of de-extinction biotechnology. She traces the shift in understanding through key episodes: Cuvier’s comparative anatomy proving the mammoth extinct, the recognition of Neanderthals as ancient humans, and the rapid anthropogenic extinctions of the great auk, bison, and passenger pigeon. Qureshi highlights how rarity often increased commercial value rather than protection, and how early conservation efforts like Newton’s bird protection legislation arose. The second half focuses on cryopreservation and cloning, using the Pyrenean ibex as a case study of a failed de-extinction attempt. She questions whether frozen cells truly mean a species is not extinct, critiquing the reasoning of de-extinction advocates like Ben Novak. Qureshi argues that de-extinction is not merely revival but a deliberate construction of future worlds, with profound ethical and ecological implications. She underscores that extinction’s finality has been a driver for conservation, and redefining it may undermine protections for living species.

178 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The value lies in connecting historical perspectives to modern biotechnology debates, offering a nuanced view rarely found in popular science. Qureshi argues convincingly that the meaning of extinction has evolved and is not fixed, and that de-extinction technologies are not neutral but reshape our relationship with life and death. The argumentation is solid, based on documented historical cases and scientific reports, though the speaker’s advocacy for conservation is clear. She effectively uses specific examples (pyrenean ibex, passenger pigeon) to ground abstract ideas.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The lecture is rigorous in its historical methodology, drawing on primary sources like Cuvier’s writings and Newton’s efforts. Although explicit source citations are absent from the talk, the narrative aligns with established scholarship. The title matches content; however, the emphasis is more on the history than on a balanced technological assessment. The description provides links to the speaker’s book and institutional resources, which serve as further reading but are not scientifically verified within the video.

172 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the main theme: exploring the history of extinction and the ethical and practical implications of de-extinction.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

The talk is based on extensive historical research by a historian of science, presented at the Royal Institution. It relies on archival evidence and published research, though explicit citations are sparse. The content is well-structured and evidence-based.

Chapters

Cited Sources

Vanished: An Unnatural History of Extinction (book) — Speaker's latest book, available for purchase, likely summarizes the lecture content.
Ri Science Podcast — Royal Institution podcast for related content.
Editorial Policy for Ri Talks — Policy regarding comments and editing of Ri talks.
Donate to the Royal Institution — Support the institution.
Q&A session for this talk — Separate video with audience questions.

Contribution & Novelties

The talk provides a unique historical lens on extinction, showing that the concept is recent and mutable. It challenges the de-extinction narrative by questioning the scientific and ethical basis of declaring frozen cells as ’not truly dead’. The speaker introduces the term ’evolutionarily torpid’ and critiques the redefinition of extinction. This adds depth to current debates, emphasizing that de-extinction is about building futures, not just restoring pasts.

Pour aller plus loin :

De-extinction — Overview of current techniques and ethical debates.
Cryopreservation — Technical basis for frozen zoos.
Passenger pigeon — History of the species and potential revival efforts.
Pyrenean ibex — The cloned ibex case study.

107 words

Radar Profile

The profile shows high scores in information quantity and quality, with moderate technical level. The fiabilité is strong, reflecting the speaker's expertise. The talk is balanced but slightly better on historical depth than on technical detail, as it focuses on conceptual and ethical aspects.

Reliability 8/10