Can This “Wool Mouse” Aid in Reviving the Extinct Mammoth?

Adaptation: The creation of new programs, processes, policies, and structures (in biology) that enable communities and their residents to better adjust to, or at least cope with, the adverse effects of climate change. These effects can include droughts, floods, wildfires, extreme heat, and severe storms.

Biology: The branch of scientific research that encompasses the study of living organisms. Scientists in this field are referred to as Biologists.

Breeding: (noun) The process where genetically similar animals within the same species produce reliable characteristic traits. For instance, German shepherds and dachshunds are examples of distinct dog breeds. (verb) The act of producing offspring through reproduction.

Calf: (plural: calves) A term used for young animals across various mammal species, from cows to walruses.

Cadaver: The remains of a deceased animal.

Cell: (in biology) The most basic structural and functional units of organisms, typically composed of a watery fluid encased by a membrane. Depending on their size, living beings can consist of thousands to trillions of cells.

Climate Change: A profound and long-lasting alteration in global climate patterns, which can occur naturally or as a result of human activities such as fossil fuel combustion or deforestation.

Clone: An exact replica (or an apparent exact replica) of a physical entity. In biological terms, it refers to an organism sharing the same genetic makeup as its progenitor. Clones are often produced using cells from existing organisms, especially plants. The term also describes the process of generating genetically identical offspring from various “parent” organisms. (v.) To create an exact replication of a physical object.

Conservation: The effort to protect or preserve something. This work may focus on items ranging from art assets to endangered species and various aspects of the natural world.

Ecologist: Scientists in the biological field who investigate the interplay between organisms and their surrounding environments.

Ecosystem: A collective of interacting organisms, including microorganisms, plants, and animals, as well as their physical surroundings in a specific climate. Examples include tropical coral reefs, rainforests, alpine meadows, and polar tundras. The term can also apply to aspects of artificial environments, such as workplaces, classrooms, or the Internet.

Egg: Germ cells containing half of the genetic data required to develop a complete organism. In humans and several other animals, eggs are produced in the ovaries. When fertilized by sperm, they connect to form new cells called zygotes, marking the initial stage of organism development.

Embryo: In the early developmental stages of an animal, typically consisting of one or a few cells. The term can also describe the initial phases of a system or technology.

Endangered: An adjective used to categorize species that are at risk of extinction.

Engineering: A field of research that utilizes mathematics and scientific principles to address real-world challenges. Practitioners in this field are referred to as engineers.

Environment: The entirety of surroundings that influence living organisms and processes, including the climate and ecosystem where specific animals reside or the temperature and humidity affecting nearby objects.

Evolutionary Biologist: A scientist dedicated to studying the mechanisms of adaptation responsible for the biodiversity of life on Earth. Their research may encompass various topics, such as organism microbiology and genetics, species adaptation changes, and fossil records to analyze relationships among ancient species.

Extinction: (adj. Extinct) The irreversible loss of species, families, or larger groups of organisms.

Gene (adj. Genetic): Segments of DNA that encode or carry instructions for producing cellular proteins. Offspring inherit genes from their parental figures, influencing their appearances and behaviors.

Gene Editing: The deliberate modification of genetic material by researchers.

Generation: A cohort of individuals (of any species) born around the same time or regarded as a single group. For example, your parents belong to one generation, while your grandparents belong to another. Similarly, all individuals born within a certain time frame are categorized as belonging to a specific human generation.

Genetic Engineering: The direct manipulation of an organism’s genome. This technique allows for the removal, deactivation, or addition of genes collected from other organisms, enabling the creation of organisms that can produce medicines in challenging conditions, such as arid climates or high salinity.

Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material found within a cell or organism. The study of this hereditary genetic information is known as genomics.

Pregnancy: The duration of time required for an animal to develop within its mother’s body.

Habitat: Natural regions or environments where various plants and animals typically thrive, such as deserts, coral reefs, and freshwater lakes. Habitats host a multitude of diverse species.

Host: (in biology and medicine) An organism or environment in which other organisms exist. Humans can serve as temporary hosts for bacteria or pathogens causing foodborne illnesses. (v.) To provide a home or environment for something, such as a website hosting images, news, or other information.

Implant: Devices created to replace missing biological structures, support damaged biological structures, or enhance pre-existing structures. Examples include artificial hips, knees, and teeth, as well as pacemakers and insulin pumps. Devices implanted surgically in animals can also monitor vital statistics like temperature and blood pressure. (v.) To insert something into another object.

Keystone Species: A species that plays a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance within its environment. Keystone species contribute to diversity by controlling populations of other species or ensuring resources are available for various organisms in their ecosystems.

Marsupial: A type of mammal that carries its young in an external pouch after birth, allowing the developing offspring access to the mother’s milk. Most marsupials evolved in Australia and are characterized by long hind legs. Examples include kangaroos, opossums, and koalas.

Muscle: A type of tissue responsible for generating movement through the contraction of muscle fibers. Due to their high protein content, prey species typically seek food sources rich in this tissue.

Permafrost: Soil that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years, typically found in polar climates where average annual temperatures hover around or below freezing.

Pleistocene: The early period of the Quaternary epoch, spanning from 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago, which includes significant glacial and interglacial periods. Mammoths were among the largest land mammals during this era.

Multipotent: A term denoting potential for various outcomes. In medicine, pluripotent refers to stem cells with the capacity to differentiate into other cell types in the body.

Population: (In biology) A group of individuals belonging to the same species residing in a specific area.

Rodent: Mammals classified under the Order Rodentia, which encompasses species like mice, rats, squirrels, guinea pigs, hamsters, and porcupines.

Skeptical: Pertaining to doubt or questioning, indicating uncertainty or reservations.

Social: (adj.) Related to interactions among individuals. This term describes animals (or people) who prefer group settings. (noun) An event where individuals gather, such as club members meeting for recreation.

Seed: A collection of similar organisms that can survive and produce offspring capable of reproduction.

Stem Cells: Undifferentiated cells that can generate other types of cells within the body. They play a crucial role in healing and tissue regeneration.

Grassland: A term for expansive, wild grasslands typically devoid of trees (except along riverbanks), especially in regions of southeastern Europe or Asia.

Delegate: An alternative or representative; in breeding, it refers to a singular animal utilized to create an engineered embryo sourced from another organism.

Theory: An explanation of natural phenomena based on extensive observation, experimentation, and reasoning in science. Unlike a general theory, a scientific theory is not merely a conjecture but organizes knowledge applicable across various situations. Ideas or conclusions derived from a theory yet lacking solid empirical support are referred to as hypotheses. Scientists who utilize mathematics and existing data for predictions in new contexts are termed theorists.

Tasmanian Tiger: Also known as the Thylacine, it was the largest extant marsupial predator. Overhunting led to its demise, with the last wild specimen reported killed in 1930 and the last captive individual dying six years later.

Organization: Formed from cells, this refers to a distinct type of material constituting animals, plants, or fungi. Cells within tissues function as units to perform specialized roles in organisms, with different human organs often composed of various tissue types.

Characteristics: Distinctive features or qualities that can be inherited, in genetics.

Transgenic: An organism that has been genetically modified to incorporate genetic material from an unrelated organism.

Tundra: Cold, typically lowland regions found in northern areas, where the underlying soil remains permanently frozen. In the summer, the surface layer thaws, allowing low-growing moss, lichens, grasses, and some shrubs or small trees to thrive.

Unique: Something that is distinctly different from others; the only one of its kind.

Woolly Mammoth: An extinct mammal resembling a hairy elephant.