Three MORE Things You Missed Because of COVID

The video highlights significant scientific discoveries of the year, focusing on three main stories: the origins of the meteorite that caused the dinosaur extinction, ancient art discoveries that reveal early symbolic behavior, and new insights into mammalian DNA, particularly transposable elements. These findings shed light on the history of life on Earth, human development, and genetic functions, offering a broader understanding of our past and biological processes.

What was the main challenge in identifying the origin of the meteorite that caused the extinction of dinosaurs?

• Its size was too small to trace.

• It was made of unknown materials.

• Its origin was difficult to pinpoint due to its composition.

• It was hidden under the ocean.

What new theory did Harvard astronomers propose about the meteorite's origin?

• It was a piece of Mars.

• It was a fragment of the Moon.

• It was a volcanic eruption.

• It was a carboniferous comet influenced by Jupiter.

What is significant about the wild ox bone discovered in Israel?

• It was used as a tool.

• It had the oldest known symbolic incisions.

• It was part of a burial site.

• It was used in ancient rituals.

What does the discovery of hand and footprints in the Benton Plateau suggest?

• Ancient humans were giants.

• Children were involved in early art creation.

• The area was a popular trade route.

• It was a site for religious ceremonies.

What percentage of the human genome is made up of transposable elements?

• 50%

• 10%

• 75%

• 25%

What role does the specific transposable element discussed play in mammalian development?

• It affects lung capacity.

• It determines hair color.

• It regulates a gene crucial for embryonic implantation.

• It helps in bone formation.

What potential implication does the study of transposable elements have for humans?

• Enhancing memory retention.

• Addressing unexplained miscarriages.

• Understanding genetic diseases.

• Improving athletic performance.