Miserable Wolf or Not, These Puppies Can Help Combat Extinction

Biologist: Researchers dedicated to the exploration of living organisms.

Biotechnology: The abbreviation for biotechnology, which harnesses living cells to create valuable products.

Cell: The fundamental structural and functional unit of an organism, typically composed of a watery liquid enclosed by a membrane. In most cases, animals consist of millions to trillions of cells.

Climate Change: A substantial long-term alteration in the Earth’s climate, which can happen naturally or as a result of human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.

Clone: An exact replica (or what seems to be one) of a physical entity. In biology, it refers to an organism sharing identical genes with another. Cloning often involves cells from existing organisms, primarily in plants. The term also refers to creating genetically identical offspring from various “parent” organisms. (v.) To produce an exact replica of a physical item.

Core: The innermost or central part of something. In geology, it refers to the Earth’s deepest layer.

Dire Wolf: An ancient species (Canis dirus) that first emerged in North America around 300,000 years ago and existed until about 12,000 years ago. Fossil records indicate they weighed up to 67 kilograms (148 pounds) and measured up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) from nose to tail. They had a varied diet, hunting large prey such as bison, camels, and possibly horses.

Diversity: (In biology) a variety of life forms or traits within a population across different species.

DNA: (short for deoxyribonucleic acid) A long, double-stranded helical molecule found in most living cells that carries genetic information. Composed of a backbone of phosphorus, oxygen, and carbon atoms, it directs cellular functions across all living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Ecosystem: A network of interacting organisms, including microorganisms, plants, and animals, along with their physical habitat within a certain climate. Examples are tropical coral reefs, rainforests, alpine meadows, and polar tundras. The term also extends to artificial environments like workplaces or online platforms.

Embryo: The early developmental stage of an organism, consisting of one or a few cells. The term can also refer to the early phases of systems or technologies.

Endangered Species: An adjective describing organisms that are at risk of extinction.

Epoch: (In geology) a subdivision of geological time shorter than a period, marked by significant changes.

Extinct: (n. extinction) An adjective characterizing a species that has no surviving members.

Fossil: A preserved remnant or trace of ancient life forms. Fossils come in various types, such as dinosaur bones (body fossils) and footprints (trace fossils). The process of fossilization describes how these remains are formed.

Gene: (adj. genetic) Segments of DNA that encode the instructions for creating cellular proteins. Offspring inherit genes from their parents, which influence their appearance and behavior.

Genetic: Related to chromosomes, DNA, and the genes contained in DNA. The scientific study of these biological instructions is called genetics, with professionals in this field known as geneticists.

Genetic Diversity: The variety of gene types and characteristics existing within a population.

Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material within a cell or organism. The field studying this genetic inheritance is known as genomics.

Host: (in biology and medicine) An organism (or its environment) that supports other entities, such as bacteria or infectious agents. (v.) To provide a habitat or medium for something, such as a website hosting various content.

Icon: (adj. iconic) Something representing something else, often embodying an ideal version.

Pleistocene: The early Quaternary period, lasting from 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago. This term may also refer to geological formations from that time. The Pleistocene was characterized by glacial and interglacial periods, during which mammoths were one of the largest terrestrial animals.

Population: (In biology) A group of individuals of the same species inhabiting a specific region.

Predators: (Adjective: predatory) Organisms that hunt other animals for most or all of their nutritional needs.

Puppy: A term commonly used for young animals, notably dogs and other species such as mice and seals.

Risk: The potential of experiencing something adverse or the probability of a harmful event occurring, such as exposure to radiation leading to cancer. (For instance: Among the cancer-related risks people faced, radiation exposure and arsenic-contaminated drinking water were highlighted.)

Rodent: Members of the Order Rodentia, which includes mice, rats, squirrels, guinea pigs, hamsters, and porcupines.

Skull: The bony structure forming the head of humans and animals.

Seed: A group of similar organisms capable of surviving and reproducing.

Stress: (In biology) Factors such as abnormal temperatures, movement, moisture variation, and pollution that can impact the health of species and ecosystems.

Technology: The practical application of scientific knowledge, particularly in industries, resulting in devices, processes, and systems.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services: A research agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior, established in 1871 as the U.S. Committee on Fish and Fisheries, with a mandate for the research and conservation of land, freshwater species, and migratory birds.

Mutants: Variants with distinct characteristics. (In biology) Members of a species exhibiting notable traits (size, coloration, lifespan, etc.) (In genetics) A gene with minor mutations that may enhance the host species’ adaptability to its environment.

Woolly Mammoth: An extinct mammal resembling a hairy elephant.