Ask A Scientist© Biology Archive

Author:      gossm
Text:        Is it really possible to clone a dinosaur?

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      wizkid
Text:        I enjoyed "Jurassic Park" immensely!  The special effects were 
overwhelming!  But thank goodness it is all Spielburg's magic.  No, it is not 
currently possible to clone a dinosaur, and the realist in me (or maybe the 
skeptic) says it will not be, either.  It takes a whole lot more than a few 
strands of DNA to recreate life.  (Also, check out the question about 
mosquitos and amber for a flaw in the movie).  If it is possible to clone an 
entire animal from a few strands of DNA, then we would have found the key to 
immortality - just keep recreating yourself from a blood sample forever!  Oh, 
but then, could not you make a million copies of yourself?  Which one would be 
you?  Something to think about!  But for now rest assured, T-Rex is not likely 
to have you for lunch any day soon!