Genetic Engineering• Science of

manipulating DNA and genes in order to change or create certain characteristics within an organism.

DNA

• The foundation of life—it’s what makes you, you. DNA contains your genetic code

Genes• Segment of DNA• Creates certain

characteristics in an organism

Hint: genes are what you inherit from your parents. My dad is short, so I’m short.

Cloning

• Making an exact copy of an organism by copying identical cells/DNA

Fossil

• Remains or impressions of plant/animal from a previous era

Paleontology• The study of previous life

forms with fossil discovery• Provides information about

evolution and creatures from looooong ago

Paleobotany• Branch of

paleontology which deals with plants and their fossil remains

• Uses fossils to determine plants that existed during different periods of time

Mesozoic Era• The era which includes the Triassic, Jurassic and

Cretaceous Period.

Triassic-

Jurassic-

1st period of the Mesozoic Era. Appearance of first dinosaursCharacterized by abundant volcanic activity

2nd period of the era. Referred to as “when dinosaurs ruled the earth” because they were the dominant speciesAlso the period in which dinosaurs became extinct

Vertebrate (sounds like?)

• A class of animals that have a backbone or spinal column

Mammals• Organisms that give birth to young rather than

laying eggs.

Helpful hint: They’re generally covered in hair

Reptiles• Cold blooded animals that lay eggs

Hint: Generally slimy and/or scaly

Check out this inquisitive reptile

Actual nickname: “Jesus Lizard” Bellowing Dinosaur

Herbivore

• A.K.A. vegetarians

Carnivore

• Eats the flesh of other animals

Chromosome

• The structure within a cell that contains the DNA

Embryo

• Earliest stage of development found in a plant seed or mammal uterus.