Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Paleogenomics

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Paleogenomics 1. Ancient vs. Archaic The words 'ancient' and 'archaic' are often used interchangeably, but they have subtle differences. 'Ancient' refers to something that existed a long time ago, while 'archaic' specifically denotes something outdated or no longer in use. In paleogenomics, we might refer to 'ancient DNA' to describe genetic material from past organisms, but 'archaic DNA' would refer to DNA from species that are no longer extant. Remember, 'ancient' is about time, while 'archaic' is about relevance. 2. Extinct vs. Endangered When discussing species, 'extinct' and 'endangered' are two terms that can be confused. 'Extinct' means that a species no longer exists, while 'endangered' refers to a species that is at risk of becoming extinct. In paleogenomics, we might study 'extinct species' to understand their genetic makeup, while efforts are made to protect 'endangered species' from extinction. So, 'extinct' means gone forever, while 'endangered' means in danger of disappearing. 3. Fossil vs. Artifact In the context of paleogenomics, 'fossil' and 'artifact' are often used when discussing ancient remains. A 'fossil' refers to the preserved remains of a once-living organism, while an 'artifact' is an object made or modified by humans. So, if we find a bone from a long-extinct species, it would be a 'fossil,' but if we discover a tool crafted by early humans, it would be an 'artifact.' 'Fossil' is about natural remains, while 'artifact' is about human-made objects. 4. Genome vs. Gene