Dino DNA
What are the two forms of a gene called?
Alleles
Two dinosaurs are both Tt for teeth shape, where T = sharp teeth and t = dull teeth. What fraction of their babies will have sharp teeth?
3 out of 4 or 75%
What do scientists call the preserved remains or traces of plants and animals from long ago?
Fossils
What do we call a change in DNA?
Mutations
In Jurassic Park, what kind of dinosaur was famous for the loud roar and tiny arms?
T-Rex
If a dinosaur has two of the same allele, what is it called?
Homozygous
A raptor that runs fast (Rr) mates with one that runs slow (rr). Use a Punnett square: What are the possible genotypes of the babies?
50% Rr, 50% rr
The Law of Superposition says that in undisturbed rock layers, which layers are the oldest?
The bottom layers
True or False: All mutations are harmful.
False.
True or False - A Punnett square can tell you the exact traits of every baby dinosaur.
False — it shows probabilities, not certainties
If T = sharp teeth (dominant) and t = dull teeth, what genotype gives a dinosaur dull teeth?
tt
Two dinos that are both Ww for skin color mate. Set up the Punnett square. What is the ratio of offspring with the dominant color to those with the recessive color?
3:1
If you find a fossil in a deeper rock layer than another fossil, which fossil is older?
The one in the deeper layer
If a mutation caused a dinosaur to have extra sharp claws, would that be a genotype or phenotype?
Phenotype
True or False - In undisturbed rock layers, the newest fossils are found deeper down.
False. Older is deeper.
In Jurassic Park, scientists filled gaps in dino DNA with frog DNA. Why might this cause unexpected traits?
It introduced new alleles / genes that could express differently.
Punnett squares don’t tell you exactly what each baby will look like. What do they actually show you?
The probability or chance of certain traits appearing
Why are fossils important for understanding dinosaurs in Jurassic Park and real life?
They provide evidence about what ancient organisms looked like, how they lived, and how life has changed over time.
Imagine a mutation gave raptors the ability to camouflage. Why would this make them more dangerous in Jurassic Park?
It’s a beneficial trait for survival/predation
If a dinosaur is Tt, it is homozygous.
False - Heterozygous