Ancient DNA Research Insights

The video explores the history and challenges of extracting ancient DNA, starting with a weevil trapped in amber 120 million years ago. It discusses early DNA sampling efforts in the 1990s, including the Quagga, and the difficulties in preserving and extracting ancient DNA due to degradation and contamination. The concept of DNA half-life and ideal preservation conditions are explained, along with advancements in DNA sequencing techniques. The video concludes with the potential for future breakthroughs in ancient DNA research and acknowledges the support of contributors.

What was the initial belief about the DNA extracted from the weevil trapped in amber?

• It was from a dinosaur.

• It was from a modern weevil.

• It was from a mosquito.

• It was the oldest DNA ever sampled.

Why was the DNA from the weevil initially thought to be ancient?

• Because it matched modern weevil DNA.

• Because it was found in amber.

• Because it was found in a museum specimen.

• Because it was from a dinosaur.

What is the process called that causes DNA to degrade over time?

• Polymerization

• Amplification

• Depurination

• Replication

What is the significance of the DNA half-life in ancient DNA research?

• It determines how long DNA can be preserved.

• It shows that DNA never degrades.

• It proves that DNA is stable in all conditions.

• It indicates that DNA can be preserved indefinitely.

What is the main challenge in amplifying ancient DNA using PCR?

• It requires a large amount of DNA.

• It can easily replicate contaminants.

• It is a slow process.

• It only works on modern DNA.

How do scientists ensure that ancient DNA samples are not contaminated?

• By using a single lab for all tests.

• By using only modern DNA for comparison.

• By avoiding the use of PCR.

• By wearing protective gear and using separate labs.

What did the re-testing of amber samples reveal about the DNA?

• It was from dinosaurs.

• It was from ancient plants.

• It was mostly from modern contaminants.

• It was perfectly preserved.

What was a significant finding from the DNA of a 700,000-year-old horse?

• It revealed new insights into horse evolution.

• It confirmed that horses are related to zebras.

• It showed that horse DNA is not preserved well.

• It showed that horse DNA is identical to modern horses.

What is the current limitation in extracting DNA from dinosaurs?

• The technology to extract dinosaur DNA does not exist.

• The DNA is too fragmented to read.

• There is no DNA left in dinosaur fossils.

• Dinosaur DNA is identical to modern birds.

What is a potential future breakthrough in ancient DNA research?

• Developing methods to read highly fragmented DNA.

• Reading dinosaur DNA using current technology.

• Finding DNA that never degrades.

• Proving that all ancient DNA is contaminated.