Scientists want to de-extinct mammoths. What is it good for?

In 10 seconds? Researchers plan to use ancient woolly mammoth DNA to genetically modify Asian elephants. This may help both to save this species from extinction and to mitigate climate change.

Is reviving the mammoth just a pet project? Well, scientists like challenges but this idea has its tangible benefits too. Prehistoric “mammoth steppe” ecosystems had a cold and dry climate, maintained by numerous herbivores, but with the extinction of the ancient fauna warmer and wetter climates set in. Scientists believe that partially reviving the ancient ecosystem could help reverse the effects of warming temperatures. Currently, herbivore grazing has limited effects on returning the tundra to a steppe environment but reintroducing larger animals, such as mammoths could change this.