Colossal Biosciences has introduced GenoMorph, an AI platform designed to support its efforts to bring back extinct animals. Recent reports indicate the tool uses advanced 3D morphology, comparative genomics, and developmental biology to identify genes that could be edited in de-extinction projects with limited genetic data.
Interestingly, the company has been using this tool to study the dodo, a bird that disappeared centuries ago. Regarding the platform’s working method, Colossal CEO and co-founder Ben Lamm mentioned, “Normally, scientists can compare many genomes to understand which genetic differences are responsible for certain traits.” He further added, “We don’t have that luxury with ancient DNA from extinct species whose DNA is severely limited, and we can only get a small number of complete genomes.”
GenoMorph has identified around 2,300 possible DNA editing targets linked to Dodo’s skull and facial shape. These findings could help scientists determine which genetic changes might give a living bird some of the dodo's features. Reportedly, the company has studied data from more than 70 bird species, including chickens, ducks, quail, and pigeons. The company has only one dodo genome to study, while its woolly mammoth research has access to around 100 genomes.
About the study and development process, the CEO stated, “The AI learns which regions of DNA are active as different birds develop their beaks and facial structures, and uses that information to predict which genetic switches may have given the dodo its iconic appearance.”
The research has found that ‘Nicobar pigeon is the dodo’s closest living relative.’ So, the company will use these cells as a critical part of their strategy to create birds that carry dodo traits.
A Bird with Dodo-Like Features Would Not be an Exact Copy
Giving a living bird a dodo-like beak or skull would not bring back the extinct species in its original form. A bird's body and features depend on many genes working together as it grows. A few genetic changes cannot restore every part of the dodo, including its behavior and other body features. A modified bird might look more like a dodo, but it would still be different from the original animal that lived on Mauritius.
GenoMorph could help scientists study the dodo's DNA and choose which changes to test. Still, recreating an extinct species is far more complex than changing a few physical features. The original dodo remains out of reach for now.