Know Its World but Not Know It

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As we stand on the brink of widespread species extinction, we confront the unsettling truth of knowing about countless animal worlds without genuinely understanding their essence. We document their habitats, behaviors, and ecological roles, yet the true essence of these creatures often remains a mystery. Naturalist John Muir once observed, "When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." This profound interconnectedness underscores the urgency to fully understand species before they vanish.

To bridge the gap between knowing about a species and truly understanding it, we can develop Foundation Models, which are large-scale machine learning models trained on vast and diverse datasets. Large Language Models (LLMs), a specific type of Foundation Model, can be used to capture the communication systems—the 'language'—of species that are still with us. Take the critically endangered Vaquita porpoise, one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. The Vaquita was first discovered in 1958 and is known for its distinctive dark rings around the eyes and mouth. Its population has drastically declined due to bycatch in illegal gillnets used for fishing in the Gulf of California, leaving fewer than ten individuals alive today. Endemic to the Gulf of California, the Vaquita uses unique acoustic signals to navigate and communicate in its murky habitat.

This image depicts the interior of an advanced animal conservation facility designed to house AI models of extinct species. Each glass enclosure is a marvel of modern technology, featuring sleek metallic frames and tempered glass that offers subtle reflections and refractions for added realism. The enclosures are illuminated by integrated LED lighting, showcasing lifelike holographic displays of extinct animals such as the Vaquita porpoise, dodo bird, and Tasmanian tiger. Ambient natural light filtering through unseen openings adds depth and a sense of authenticity, emphasizing the facility's role as a bridge between past and future.

The scene embodies the urgent call to move beyond merely documenting species' behaviors and habitats and instead strive for a profound understanding of their true essence. Using Foundation Models and Large Language Models (LLMs) built from diverse datasets, researchers can create interactive simulations that mimic the unique communication systems of these animals. This technological integration fosters empathy and connection, underscoring Rachel Carson's reminder that true mastery lies in our ability to respect and preserve nature, not dominate it.

This innovative approach serves as a testament to the harmonious blend of conservation and technology, capturing the essence of species lost to time and urging humanity to act before the delicate threads of biodiversity disappear forever.

By recording and modeling these syllables, we can create a dataset that informs the construction of a Large Language Model (LLM). This LLM can be used to generate an interactive synthetic voice, simulating the unique communication patterns of the species. For example, a species language model could augment conversation by providing realistic responses that reflect the unique communication style of the species. The Vaquita might respond with specific tonal variations that indicate distress, navigation cues, or social bonding, helping us understand and interact with them more meaningfully. This approach allows us to foster a deeper connection with the species and build a more comprehensive model of their world.

Echoing environmentalist Rachel Carson's warning, "The human race is challenged more than ever before to demonstrate our mastery—not over nature but of ourselves," it becomes clear that our true test lies in cultivating genuine understanding and respect for these creatures. Only then can we hope to protect these irreplaceable forms of life before they vanish from our world forever. We must act now, through conservation efforts and research, to ensure these species do not disappear forever.

Further read

LLM, Us and Neuroplasticity

"Are you sure?": Unveiling the Quest for Human-Like Artificial Intelligence

Designers, creativity and AI

A LLM as a reflection of our inner most desires

Should AGI be a she, he, or a it?