An international team of scientists have recently announced their research investigating the genetic makeup of the extinct Tasmanian Tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus) using DNA extracted from the hair of two preserved specimens. From this they have established the exact genome sequence from both and have used the information to deduce the extinct species' genetic relationship to other marsupials as well as looking into possible causes for the species' extinction.
Webb Miller (one member of the extensive research team) stated the main aim of the study was "to learn how to prevent endangered species from going extinct", but was also looking at the potential possibility of using cloning to bring the Tassie Tiger back to life.
The study's finding can now be put to use helping conservationists ensure the survival of currently endangered species such as the Tasmanian Devil. The two test subjects were found to have very similar DNA sequences (only 5 out of 15 492 nucleotides were different), which may indicate little genetic diversity within the species leading up to its extinction. Hence this may have been a combined factor leading to the species' demise.
Another interesting discovery by the team found that despite Thylacinus' morphological similarities to both dogs and big cats, it is in fact closely related to koalas and kangaroos with its closest genetic relative being the numbat.
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Main Article: BBC News (2009, January 13), Genetic secrets from Tassie Tiger. Retrieved March 20, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7825011.stm.
Journal Reference: Webb Miller et al. The mitochondrial genome sequence of the Tasmanian Tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus). Genome Research, January 2009, doi:10.1101/gr.082628.108.
Picture source: www.smh.com.au/news/Science/Researchers-revive-plan-to-clone-the-Tassie-tiger/2005/05/14/1116024405941.html.
