(NEXSTAR) — This week, a Texas-based bioscience firm, dedicated to "reviving" animals from previous eras as well as those expected to become extinct in the future, announced they successfully engineered three specimens. dire wolves —which have gone extinct more than 10,000 years ago.
Though Colossal Biosciences Some have referred to the scientific achievement as "resurrecting the first extinct animal," but not everyone in the field agrees with this notion’s feasibility. For instance, Vincent Lynch, a biologist at the University of Buffalo, stated to the Associated Press that present technological capabilities can merely "create an appearance similar to something else."
Scientific disputes aside, the possibility of the return of the dire wolf Has sparked renewed online discussion about the concept of a genuine "Jurassic Park." Considering this, here are some extinct species we sincerely hope scientists will not bring back.
Deinosuchus
The ancient crocodilians from Deinosuchus The genus expanded to the size of a school bus and was famously thought to hunt large dinosaurs—such as the T-rex—by ambushing them close to ancient coastlines. Referred to as "super crocs," these top-tier predators possessed six-inch-long teeth and once held the title of being the biggest hunters in North America, as stated by reports. Western Australian Museum . They weighed up to 7 tons and scientists note that fossils of other apex predators even show bite marks believed to be exacted by this ancient monster.
Meganeura
These enormous carnivorous insects resembling giant dragonflies are among the largest known flying insect species throughout history (if not the largest). the with a wingspan reaching up to 2.5 feet, as stated Furman University If a giant flying insect isn't terrifying enough for you, it not only preys on others but is also a predator. Meganeura largely consumed only other insects and tiny creatures.
Titanoboa
The title really speaks for itself.
The biggest snake ever recorded, Titanoboa It grew approximately 50 feet in length and three feet in width, as stated by the Florida Museum of Natural History. To put this into perspective, an average school bus typically ranges from 35 to 45 feet in length.
At some point, according to the museum, Titanoboa held the title of being the biggest known predator on Earth and probably had a weight of at least one ton. This showcases the immense size and mass of Titanoboa. Smithsonian Magazine states "the widest part of its body would reach up almost to a grown person's hip level." This being (which is merely begging To become the focus of an action-thriller), it was renowned for stalking in murky wetlands, preying on crocodiles and various other water-based hunters.
‘Terror birds’
The meat-eating birds incapable of flying on the Phorusrhacidae The family was genuinely terrifying, akin to something from a nightmare. “Terror birds,” As they're typically known, these creatures could reach heights of up to 10 feet, weigh as much as 300 pounds, and were capable of sprinting at speeds of around 30 miles per hour when chasing their quarry, according to reports. University of Maryland These raptors, equipped with sharp talons and an aggressive nature, probably dispatched their prey using their somewhat hooked bills. They could effortlessly take down both large and small victims.
Helicoprion
It’s a shark with a chainsaw-like jaw (more or less).
Helicoprion Was a genus of shark-like fishes renowned primarily for their peculiar lower-jaw "tooth whorls," resembling the edge of a buzzsaw, as explained by the Western Australian Museum. These structures typically featured around 14 jagged teeth.
Once more, despite appearing similar to a shark, studies indicate that this creature is more closely related to the ratfish. The University of Idaho notes that certain Helicoprions could grow up to over 30 feet long (with an average contemporary male being considerably smaller). great white shark only reaches about 13 feet in length) and fed on squid, sharks, and various other fish.
Ultimately, there were numerous additional vanished species we aimed to feature; however, we couldn't locate suitable images for them. As a follow-up step, conduct a Google search for these. gigantopithecus blacki (An ape standing ten feet tall) and the giant short-faced bears from the Arctodus lineage, which similarly reached heights of approximately 10 feet.
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