Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Conversation With a 7-Year-Old: Genetics Edition

A: So, do you think there could ever be a new DNA?

Me: I think there is new DNA all the time. DNA is really complicated, and when animals reproduce, changes to DNA can happen. It's called genetic mutation.

A: Mutation? Really?

Me: Yup - I think it's where all kinds of things about people, like different hair and eye colours, come from.

A: But, could you use DNA to make a new animal?

Dad: I think they're trying that with a frozen mammoth they found, actually.

A: Could they make dinosaurs?

Dad: Well, I guess in theory. There's a movie about that, you know, called Jurassic Park.

A: And in Jurassic Park, they use DNA to make new animals? I've got to see that movie.

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