In the fields of paleontology, biology, or ecology, the term "Lazarus taxon" refers to a species that disappears for a time - either from the fossil records or directly believed to be extinct - only to return at a later time.
Throughout history, animals become irreversibly extinct, which is an unfortunate event. Some are caused by natural occurrences, such as the asteroid impact with the dinosaurs. Others are caused by anthropogenic activities, as the case with the dodo and the Tasmanian tiger.
On the other hand, there are species that are "miraculously" brought back to life, or simply rediscovered by humans. As Jesus Christ raised Lazarus of Bethany from the dead, here are five species that returned from their "extinct" status.
1. Coelacanth
Some animals are just hard to come by, making people believe that they are extinct. One example is the night parrot, a bird native to Australia. Considered as the "holy grail of birdwatchers," it was first discovered in 1861 by ornithologist John Gould. The sample he found became the holotype for the species. It was, however, remained unseen for more than 100 years before it was rediscovered in 1979.
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