Resurrecting Tyrannosaurus rex

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dc.contributor.advisorGood, Jennifer
dc.contributor.authorAmmerman, Lauren
dc.contributor.departmentUniversity Scholars.en_US
dc.contributor.schoolsUniversity Scholars.en_US
dc.date.accessioned2016-08-08T16:57:56Z
dc.date.available2016-08-08T16:57:56Z
dc.date.copyright2016
dc.date.issued2016-08-08
dc.description.abstractAfter the first successful extraction of ancient DNA from a fossilized Quagga in 1984, the subsequent development of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology opened up a plethora of possibilities in the field of molecular paleontology. Supplied with fragmented ancient genomes, some scientists acted as if the days of resurrecting dinosaurs were a few technical difficulties away. Theories surfaced on the possible applications of ancient DNA technology, and some, such as creating tactical dinosaurs for the U.S. military, were outrageous. A less ridiculous idea surfaced in the form of Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park, published in 1990. Coupled with Steven Spielberg’s 1993 feature film adaption, the Jurassic Park series created a world in which geneticallyengineered dinosaurs roamed once again as theme park attractions on a billionaire’s private island, and explored the possible outcomes of a “Jurassic Park” experiment. Jurassic Park ignited scientific debate over the technological feasibility, environmental impact, and ethical questions of a “Jurassic Park” experiment. This thesis continues that conversation by asking, could resurrecting a dinosaur be a productive environmental enterprise, other than a mere display of power over Nature? Focusing on Tyrannosaurus rex, this thesis combines a brief survey the current state of dinosaur genetic research, with analyses of rewilding with large predators, to discuss whether or not scientists should ever attempt to re-create a T. rex in the future.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2104/9673
dc.language.isoen_USen_US
dc.rightsBaylor University projects are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.en_US
dc.rights.accessrightsWorldwide accessen_US
dc.subjectT. rexen_US
dc.subjectDinosauren_US
dc.titleResurrecting Tyrannosaurus rexen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US

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