Absolutely, let’s dive into a fascinating headline that sounds like it’s straight out of Jurassic Park—"Did scientists really bring back an extinct wolf?" This comes from a video by Vox, known for unpacking complex topics with clarity. But before you imagine a dire wolf roaming the streets, let’s break down what really happened.

🎙️ Summary:

In Vox's video, they explore the intriguing case of the extinct Japanese wolf, which vanished in the early 1900s. But thanks to genetic science and some impressive sleuthing, researchers discovered that its DNA isn’t completely lost. Through studying native Japanese dog breeds—especially the Shiba Inu and Akita—they found that remnants of the Japanese wolf’s genome are still alive today. So no, scientists haven’t resurrected the wolf like a sci-fi clone, but they’ve essentially rediscovered it in a new form: living on through modern dogs. Think less "resurrection," more "genetic echo."

🔑 Key Points:

• The Japanese wolf (Canis lupus hodophilax) went extinct in the early 20th century, last spotted in 1905.
• Researchers from Japan’s Graduate University for Advanced Studies analyzed ancient wolf DNA from museum specimens.
• They discovered that Japanese wolves are more genetically distinct from gray wolves than previously thought, yet closely related to Japanese domestic dog breeds.
• Their DNA lives on: About 5–7% of the Japanese dog genome—especially in breeds like the Shiba Inu—comes from the extinct Japanese wolf.
• According to the study’s lead author, Yohey Terai, "We found a surprising amount of Japanese wolf ancestry in Japanese dogs."
• This isn’t cloning or de-extinction, but rather a case of a subspecies persisting through hybridization over hundreds of years.
• The findings suggest that domesticated dogs in Japan may have developed unique traits due to this rare genetic lineage.
• The research reshapes our understanding of the domestication and movement of ancient wolves and dogs throughout Asia.

📚 Extra Info:

The study referenced in the video was published in Nature Communications in January 2022. It’s been peer-reviewed and widely covered by leading science outlets like ScienceAlert and LiveScience, confirming its credibility. While we’re not witnessing a literal “Jurassic Bark,” this revelation is still historic for understanding dog evolution and genetic inheritance.

So, while scientists didn’t exactly bring back the wolf, they found its ancestors hiding in plain sight—curled up at the foot of your bed, possibly wagging its tail. Stay tuned for more mind-bending science that blurs the line between past and present.
Link to Article