Theoretically speaking, if we had a blueprint of the DNA of every animal, as well as the means to connect the chains, we could reconstitute any living creature. Maybe not on an individual basis, but if we’re trying to save animals from the brink of extinction, we can’t be picky. A massive scientific consortium seeks to create the first part of this hypothetical miracle machine, the DNA library.
Genome 10,000 is a scientific consortium with members at over 50 different scientific institutions all over the world. Their flagship project is the Vertibrate Genomes Project, the goal of which is as straightforward as it is massive: map out the genome sequences of every vertebrate animal on the planet. That’s around 66,000 different species. Just yesterday, September 13th, 2018, the first results of the project were released. 15 complete genetic maps have been created of animals including the Canadian lynx, the duck-billed platypus, and the zebra finch.
Participants of the project believe the entire project could take 10 years to complete at the absolute minimum. They believe it is a goal worth pursuing, however, not just for the general boost in available biological knowledge, but for the possibility of aiding endangered species in the future.
