biologist: Scientists involved in biological research.
bronze: A metal alloy consisting primarily of copper and tin, but may also contain other metals. It is harder and more durable than copper.
carbon dating: Abbreviation for radiocarbon dating or carbon-14 dating. A method for determining the age of organic materials containing carbon. Carbon-14, a weakly radioactive isotope, forms in Earth’s upper atmosphere when cosmic rays strike nitrogen atoms. This carbon combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide, which organisms absorb and incorporate into their tissues. When these organisms die, carbon exchange with the environment stops and the proportion of carbon-14 isotopes begins to decline at a constant rate (a rate set by the laws of radioactive decay). By measuring the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12 in a creature’s remains, scientists can determine how long ago the creature died.
chromosome: A coiled strand of DNA in the nucleus of a cell. Animal and plant chromosomes are generally X-shaped. Some segments of DNA in chromosomes are genes. The other DNA segments of the chromosomes are landing pads for proteins. The functions of other DNA segments in chromosomes are not yet fully understood by scientists.
colleague: A person who works with other people. colleagues and team members.
enamel: A shiny, hard substance that covers the teeth.
Extract: (v.) The separation of one chemical (or component of something) from a complex mixture. (noun) a substance removed from some raw material, often in concentrated form. Extracts are often obtained from plants (such as spearmint and lavender), flowers and buds (such as roses and cloves), fruits (such as lemons and oranges), and seeds and nuts (such as almonds and pistachios). Such extracts are sometimes used in cooking and often have very strong aromas and flavors.
gene: (adjective: genetic) A segment of DNA that encodes or holds instructions for the production of proteins by a cell. Offspring inherit genes from their parents. Genes influence how an organism looks and behaves.
iron age: A term used to refer to ancient human societies that made heavy use of iron throughout their culture. This period immediately followed the Bronze Age and is usually described as beginning around the 12th century BC in Greece, India, Iran, and the Middle East. It then began in other parts of Europe and in what is now Turkey. This period lasted for hundreds of years in all these regions.
protein: A compound made from a long chain of one or more amino acids. Proteins are an essential part of all living organisms. They form the basis of living cells, muscles, and tissues. They also work inside cells. Antibodies, hemoglobin, and enzymes are all examples of proteins. Drugs often work by adsorbing to proteins.
radiocarbon dating: Abbreviation for radiocarbon dating or simply carbon dating. A method for determining the age of organic materials containing carbon. Carbon-14, a weakly radioactive isotope, forms in Earth’s upper atmosphere when cosmic rays strike nitrogen atoms. This carbon combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide, which organisms absorb and incorporate into their tissues. When these organisms die, carbon exchange with the environment stops and the proportion of carbon-14 isotopes begins to decline at a constant rate (a rate set by the laws of radioactive decay). By measuring the percentage of carbon-14 in a creature’s remains, scientists can determine how long ago the creature died.
X chromosome: Part of an animal’s genetic inheritance that appears on the sex chromosomes known as “X”. A woman usually has two of her X chromosomes. Usually men have it.
Y chromosome: Part of an animal’s genetic inheritance that appears on the sex chromosome known as “Y”. Men usually have a Y chromosome and an X chromosome. Women usually do not have a Y chromosome.
Source: www.snexplores.org
