The Challenge Factory discussion
Coding the Dinosaur DNA
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Sally906 Examines Dinosaur DNA
Mod
2. Apatosaurus
3. Ankylosaurus
4. Archaeopteryx
5. Brachiosaurus
6. Brontosaurus
16. Therizinosaurus
17. Triceratops
18. Troodon
19. Tyrannosaurus Rex
20. Velociraptor
Mod
Mod
* Common name: Allosaurus
* Type of dinosaur: Theropod
* Size: 39 ft./12 m
* Period: Late Jurassic
Allosaurus is one of the most famous dinosaurs of the Jurassic Period. This very large, powerfully-built bipedal predator lived in what is now the USA, where numerous specimens have been found. Possible Allosaurus fossils have also been found in Tanzania, Portugal and China.
The prey of Allosaurus would likely have included Stegosaurus and possibly large sauropods such as Apatosaurus.
To identify this dinosaur, complete one of the following:
1. read a book with a title that begins with 'A'
2. read a book where an actual famous person is mentioned
3. read a book set in the United States of America
4. read a book where the MC travels to at least 3 countries
5. read a book tagged "History', 'Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Completion Post - #1 of 20 Is this the DNA of an: Allosaurus?
Task: Read a book set in the United States of America
Book:
Night Shift Witch by Cate LawleyRead: 29/08/23
Rating: 5★s
Pages: 190
How it fits: Is set in Texas USA
Mod
I'm sorry. The DNA isn't from the Allosaurus.
Which dinosaur would you like to examine next?
Sorry I’ll add the next selection to my completion post 😃👍I would like my next Dino to be Apatosaurus please
Mod
No worries. I'll see it here on your thread.
Mod
* Common Name: Apatosaurus
* Type of dinosaur: Sauropod
* Size: 82 ft./25m
* Period: Late Jurassic
Apatosaurus was a huge, plant-eating dinosaur that lived in the Late Jurassic. It had a typical sauropod body plan, with a long neck and tail, and large body supported by four sturdy legs.
The first Apatosaurus was named in 1877 by paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh. Marsh later found another, even larger, sauropod, which he named Brontosaurus.
Since then, there has been much argument over whether or not Brontosaurus was in fact an Apatosaurus. Later discoveries have led to both of these famous dinosaurs being recognized.
Apatosaurus had a stockier build than related sauropods, with thick legs and a deep chest. It may have been able to produce a loud cracking sound with its whip-like tail.
To identify this dinosaur, complete one of the following:
1. read a book with two 7s in the published date (ex., July 10, 2017)
2. read a book with an author that uses three names (ex., Louisa May Alcott)
3. read the 2nd book in a duology, trilogy, or series
4. read a book from the Sounds list
5. read a book tagged 'History', 'Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Completion Post - #2 of 20 Is this the DNA of an: Apatosaurus?
Task: Read the 2nd book in a duology, trilogy, or series
Book: Mrs. Morris and the Witch by Traci Wilton
Read: 03/09/23
Rating: 4★s
Pages: 219
How it fits: The 2nd book in the Salem B&B series
Next dinosaur: 3. Ankylosaurus
Mod
I'm sorry. The DNA isn't from the Apatosaurus.
Ankylosaurus tasks are coming right up.
Mod
* Common name: Ankylosaurus
* Type of dinosaur: Ornithischian
* Size: 26 ft./8m
* Period: Late Cretaceous
Ankylosaurus is one of the most famous armored dinosaurs. It was the largest ankylosaurid, and the last of its kind – it is thought to have lived right up to the end of the Cretaceous Period.
The body of Ankylosaurus was covered in bony plates. It had a beak and teeth, and four horns that projected backwards from its head. Its tail ended in a club, which provided protection from predators. This would have been useful; Ankylosaurus lived alongside Tyrannosaurus.
To identify this dinosaur, complete one of the following:
1. read the last book in a trilogy or series
2. read a book published in 2000 (the last year of the 20th century)
3. read a book where you can only see the back of someone's head
4. read a book where the MC has an enemy
5. read a book tagged 'History', 'Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Completion Post - #3 of 20 Is this the DNA of an: Ankylosaurus?
Task: Read a book tagged 'History', 'Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Book:
A Symphony of Echoes by Jodi TaylorRead: 04/09/23
Rating: 3★s
Pages: 334
How it fits: has an MPG tag of Historical Fiction
Next dinosaur: 4. Archaeopteryx
Mod
I'm sorry. The DNA isn't from the Ankylosaurus.
Here are the Archaeopteryx tasks.
Mod
* Common name: Archaeopteryx
* Type of dinosaur: Theropod
* Size: 1 ft./30cm long
* Period: Late Jurassic
The discovery of Archaeopteryx, a crow-sized, feathered dinosaur, provided evidence to support Charles Darwin’s theory of Evolution. This is because Archaeopteryx had characteristics of both reptiles and birds, suggesting that the ancestors of Archaeopteryx were dinosaurs and that its descendants would be modern birds. Fossils such as these are known as “transitional fossils”.
Archaeopteryx had feathered wings and is believed to have been able to fly. Unlike modern birds (and like reptiles), it had teeth and a long tail.
The importance of Archaeopteryx in establishing the link between dinosaurs and birds, together with its extremely well-preserved fossils, mean that it is one of the most famous dinosaurs.
To identify this dinosaur, complete one of the following:
1. read a book where the MC looks for evidence
2. read a book where the MC's first or last name begins with 'C' or 'D'
3. read a book set in a country where your ancestors came from
4. read a book Transitional Chapter Books Series list (if you read a book from this list, there is no page minimum requirement)
5. read a book tagged 'History', 'Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Completion Post - #4 of 20 Is this the DNA of an: Archaeopteryx?
Task: Read a book where the MC looks for evidence
Book:
Syrup to No Good by Catherine BrunsRead: 06/09/23
Rating: 4★s
Pages: 312
How it fits: MC, Leila, looks for evidence to find out who killed her best friend’s aunt
Next dinosaur: 5. Brachiosaurus
Mod
I'm sorry. The DNA isn't from the Archaeopteryx.
Good luck with Brachiosaurus.
Mod
* Common name: Brachiosaurus
* Type of dinosaur: Sauropod
* Size: 75 ft./23m
* Period: Late Jurassic
First discovered in Colorado, United States, Brachiosaurus is a sauropod from the Late Jurassic period. It can be distinguished from other sauropods by its extra-long front legs, which gave its body a downward-sloping appearance.
The genus name Brachiosaurus, which means “arm lizard”, refers to the dinosaur’s long front legs.
Brachiosaurus is likely to have held its neck erect and would have been capable of reaching foliage around 50 ft/15 m above the ground.
Brachiosaurus appears in this list of famous dinosaurs because it appears in two notable scenes in Jurassic Park. It is the first dinosaur seen by paleontologists Drs Grant and Sattler. Later in the movie, a Brachiosaurus sneezes over one of the children.
To identify this dinosaur, complete one of the following:
1. read a book set in Colorado, USA
2. read a book where the MC has long legs or is very tall
3. read a book that was first published over 50 years ago (1972 or earlier)
4. read a book where the MC is a doctor of some kind
5. read a book tagged 'History', 'Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Completion Post - #5 of 20 Is this the DNA of an: 5. Brachiosaurus?
Task: Read a book where the MC has long legs or is very tall
Book:
Mind Sweeper by A.E. JonesRead: 11/09/23
Rating: 5★s
Pages: 368
How it fits: The MC describes herself as tall on page 165 “…The man behind the desk stood slowly. At well over 6 feet I am often described as tall, but this man looked down at me…”
Next dinosaur: 6. Brontosaurus
Mod
I'm sorry. The DNA isn't from the Brachiosaurus.
Here are the Brontosaurus tasks.
Mod
* Common name: Brontosaurus
* Type of dinosaur: Sauropod
* 72 ft./22 m
* Period: Late Jurassic
Brontosaurus is one of the most famous sauropod dinosaurs, but for many years wasn’t actually considered to be a valid genus. This is because, after Brontosaurus had been named, it was decided that the specimen was, in fact, an Apatosaurus.
Apatosaurus had been named first, and when naming species, the rule is that the first name is the one that should be used. Therefore, Brontosaurus should have been renamed Apatosaurus.
Research carried out in the 21st century suggests that Brontosaurus is sufficiently different to Apatosaurus to be considered a genus in its own right. Therefore, Brontosaurus was again considered to be an “official” dinosaur, although not all paleontologists agree with this decision.
To identify this dinosaur, complete one of the following:
1. read a book that has been republished with a different title
2. read the first book in a duology, trilogy, or series
3. read a book published in the 21st century
4. read a book with an official as a significant character (an official is a person holding public office, having official duties, or holds a position of authority in an organization)
5. read a book tagged 'History', 'Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Completion Post - #6 of 20 Is this the DNA of an: 6. Brontosaurus
Task: Read a book published in the 21st century
Book:
Murder Outside the Lines by Krista DavisRead: 13/09/23
Rating: 3★s
Pages: 352
How it fits: Published in the 21st century - 2021
Next dinosaur: 7. Coelophysis
Mod
I'm sorry. The DNA isn't from the Brontosaurus.
Coelophysis coming right up.
Mod
* Common name: Coelophysis
* Type of dinosaur: Theropod
* Size: 10 ft./3 m
* Period: Late Triassic – Early Jurassic
Famous for being one of the earliest-known dinosaurs, Coelophysis is a 10 ft./3 m long dinosaur that lived in what is now the southwestern United States. (Specimens have also been found in southern Africa.)
Coelophysis was a fast-moving bipedal (two-legged) hunter. Its relatively small teeth and slender arms suggest it preyed on animals significantly smaller than itself.
Large numbers of Coelophysis specimens found together suggest it may have lived or hunted in packs.
To identify this dinosaur, complete one of the following:
1. read a book published in 2010
2. read a book set in Arizona or Nevada
3. read a book within 24 hours
4. read a book where the MC belongs to a pack or group of some kind
5. read a book tagged 'History', 'Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Completion Post - #7 of 20 Is this the DNA of a: Coelophysis?
Task: read a book within 24 hours
Book:
The Fledgling by A.E. JonesRead: 17/09/23
Rating: 5★s
Pages: 197
How it fits: started AM 17/09/23 and finished PM 17/09/23
Next dinosaur: 8. Compsognathus
Mod
I'm sorry. The DNA isn't from the Coelophysis.
Here are the Compsognathus tasks.
Mod
* Common name: Compsognathus
* Type of dinosaur: Theropod
* Size: 4.33 ft./1.32 m
* Period: Late Jurassic
Compsognathus was a small, bipedal, meat-eating dinosaur that lived in what is now Europe in the Late Jurassic.
An almost-complete Compsognathus fossil was found in Germany in the mid-nineteenth century. Scientists know the species is predatory because this specimen had the fossilized remains of a lizard in its stomach. A slightly larger Compsognathus specimen was found in France around 100 years later.
For many years, Compsognathus was famous for being the smallest-known dinosaur. However, several smaller dinosaurs have since been found.
To identify this dinosaur, complete one of the following:
1. read a book published in a year ending in '2' (2022, 2012, 2002, 1992, and so on)
2. read a book set in continental Europe
3. read a book that is tagged 'New Adult'
4. read a book by an author you have just discovered
5. read a book tagged 'History', 'Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Completion Post - #8 of 20 Is this the DNA of an: Compsognathus
Task: read a book published in a year ending in '2'
Book:
The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan MalleryRead: 22/09/23
Rating: 3★s
Pages: 448
How it fits: Was published May 31, 2022
Next dinosaur: 9. Diplodocus
Mod
Mod
I'm sorry. The DNA isn't from the Compsognathus.
Good luck with Diplodocus.
Mod
*Common name: Diplodocus
* Type of dinosaur: Sauropod
* Size: 79 ft./24 m
* Period: Late Jurassic
A sauropod dinosaur, Diplodocus was typical of its type, being a huge, four-legged, plant-eating animal with a long neck and whip-like tail.
Diplodocus may have had a row of triangular spikes running along its back.
The structure of the peg-like teeth of Diplodocus suggest that it grasped a branch in its mouth, then moved its head up or down to strip foliage from the branch.
With a center of gravity located near its hips, Diplodocus is likely to have been able to rear up on its hind legs, using its tail as support. This would have allowed the dinosaur to reach foliage located high up in the trees.
To identify this dinosaur, complete one of the following:
1. read a book with '4' in the page count
2. read a book from the Literary Love Triangles (Non-YA) list
3. read a book with UP or DOWN in the title (can be part of a word)
4. read a book with trees on the cover
5. read a book tagged 'History', 'Historical' or "Historical Fiction'
Lanelle wrote: "Don't forget to post something on the Verification thread :)"Oops - sorry - posted just as I went to bed and hubby was turning off lights around me so rushed ☺️
Completion Post - #9 of 20 Is this the DNA of an: Diplodocus
Task: read a book with trees on the cover
Book:
A Sip Before Dying by Gemma HallidayRead: 24/09/23
Rating: 2★s
Pages: 207
How it fits: Trees on the cover
Next dinosaur: 10. Giganotosaurus
Mod
No worries. And I'm glad you can blame it on the hubby :)
Mod
I'm sorry. The DNA isn't from the Diplodocus.
Here are the Giganotosaurus tasks.
Mod
* Common name: Giganotosaurus
* Type of dinosaur: Theropod
* Size: 39 ft./12 m
* Period: Late Cretaceous
Giganotosaurus was a large, meat-eating dinosaur that lived in South America in the Late Cretaceous.
It’s possible that this fearsome dinosaur was the largest land carnivore ever to have lived; some paleontologists estimate its length could have exceeded 49 ft./15 m.
This famous dinosaur had crest-like ridges on the skull in front of the eyes.
To identify this dinosaur, complete one of the following:
1. read a book set in South America
2. read a book Size Matters! list
3. read a book with "fearsome" in the text of the book
4. read a book with a close-up of eyes on the cover
5. read a book tagged 'History', 'Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Completion Post - #10 of 20 Is this the DNA of a: Giganotosaurus
Task: read a book with "fearsome" in the text of the book
Book:
Stockings and Spells by Nancy WarrenRead: 25/09/23
Rating: 5★s
Pages: 238
How it fits: Page 192 “…I knew her power would be fearsome…”
Next dinosaur: 11. Gallimimus
Mod
I'm sorry. The DNA isn't from the Giganotosaurus.
Good luck with Gallimimus.
Mod
* Common name: Gallimimus
* Type of dinosaur: Theropod
* Size: 20 ft./6m
* Period: Late Cretaceous
Gallimimus is well-known due to its appearance in the film Jurassic Park. In the film, paleontologist Dr. Grant and the grandchildren of park owner John Hammond are surrounded by a Gallimimus herd. Grant and the children take shelter behind a fallen tree as the herd is attacked by a T. rex.
Gallimimus, whose name means “chicken mimic”, was a fast-moving, herd animal with a large, toothless beak. Unlike the dinosaur in Jurassic Park, Gallimimus is thought to have had feathers. The structure of its beak suggests that the dinosaur was a herbivore that ate tough vegetation.
To identify this dinosaur, complete one of the following:
1. read a book that has been made into a movie
2. read a book where the MC has a grandchild(ren)
3. read a book where the MC gets attacked
4. read a book that you've been chicken to read (on your TBR list for over a year)
5. read a book tagged 'History', 'Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Completion Post - #11 of 20 Is this the DNA of a: Gallimimus
Task: read a book where the MC gets attacked
Book:
A Vision in Velvet by Juliet BlackwellRead: 29/09/23
Rating: 4★s
Pages: 336
How it fits: Lily is attacked numerous times by a powerful evil entity
Next dinosaur: 12. Iguanodon
Mod
I'm sorry. The DNA isn't from the Gallimimus.
Here comes Iguanodon.
Mod
* Common name: Iguanodon
* Type of dinosaur: Ornithischian
* Size: 30 ft./9 m
* Period: Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous
Iguanodon was one of three dinosaurs that paleontologist Sir Richard Owen used as examples when classifying dinosaurs (the other two example dinosaurs were Megalosaurus and Hylaeosaurus). This famous ornithischian dinosaur was first discovered in England, with other specimens later being found in other parts of Europe.
The skull of Iguanodon was narrow and beaked, and this plant-eating animal had teeth suitable for grinding tough vegetation.
Iguanodon was probably quadrupedal, but may have been able to rear up onto its hind legs in order to reach food.
To identfy this dinosaur, complete one of the following:
1. read a book published in the 3rd month of any year
2. read a book where the author's first or last name begins with a 'R' or 'O'
3. read a book set in England
4. read a book about a tough subject (your definition)
5. read a book tagged 'History', Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Completion Post - #12 of 20 Is this the DNA of a: Iguanodon
Task: read a book set in England
Book:
Purls and Potions by Nancy WarrenRead: 04/10/23
Rating: 5★s
Pages: 248
How it fits: Set in Oxford, England
Next dinosaur: 13. Parasaurolophus
Mod
I'm sorry. The DNA isn't from the Iguanodon.
Good luck with Parasaurolophus.
Mod
* Common name: Parasaurolophus
* Type of dinosaur: Ornithischian
* Size: 31 ft./9 m
* Period: Late Cretaceous
Parasaurolophus is one of the most famous hadrosaurid, or “duck-billed”, dinosaurs. Its name, which means “near/almost crested lizard”, refers to its being a close relative of Saurolophus. (Saurolophus, another hadrosaurid, appeared around 3 million years after Parasaurolophus.)
Parasaurolophus was a plant eating browser, able to walk on either two or four legs. It had a large, backwards-curving crest on the back of its head. Tubes ran from the nostrils to the crest, which may have been used to produce sounds.
To identify this dinosaur, complete one of the following:
1. read a book set in Australia (where the duck-billed platypuses are)
2. read a book with all the letters of ALMOST in the title
3. read a book from the Half a million ratings to a million ratings list
4. listen to an audio book
5. read a book tagged 'History', 'Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Completion Post - #13 of 20 Is this the DNA of a: Parasaurolophus
Task: read a book tagged 'History', 'Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Book:
Rekindled by Tamera AlexanderRead: 11/10/23
Rating: 3★s
Pages: 336
How it fits: Has MPGs of both Historical and Historical Fiction
Next dinosaur: 14. Spinosaurus
Mod
I'm sorry. The DNA isn't from the Parasaurolophus.
Watch out for Spinosaurus.
Mod
* Common name: Spinosaurus
* Type of dinosaur: Therapod
* Size: 56 ft./17 m.
* Period: Late Cretaceous
The first Spinosaurus was discovered in Egypt in 1912. Unfortunately, the specimen was destroyed when the museum in Germany in which it was being stored was bombed during the war.
Several more Spinosaurus fossils have since been found, also in North Africa.
Spinosaurus is one of the biggest land predators ever to have lived. Like other spinosaurids, it had elongated spines on its back. These are thought to have supported a sail made of skin.
Paleontologists are unsure of the purpose of the Spinosaurus’s sail. It may have helped to keep the dinosaur at the correct temperature, or have been used as a display to attract mates.
Another explanation is that it helped Spinosaurus move through the water while swimming. Spinosaurus’s long, thin jaws and sharp teeth suggest it was a fish eater.
To identify this dinosaur, complete one of the following:
1. read a book set in the Middle East or Northern Africa
2. read a book where the MC goes to a museum
3. read a book set during a war, battle, or conflict
4. read a book with 400+ pages
5. read a book tagged 'History', 'Historical' or 'Historical Fiction'
Completion Post - #14 of 20 Is this the DNA of a: Spinosaurus
Task: read a book with 400+ pages
Book:
Back on Track by Tricia StringerRead: 24/10/23
Rating: 5★s
Pages: 454
How it fits: Has 454 pages
Next dinosaur: 15. Stegosaurus
Mod
I'm sorry. The DNA isn't from the Spinosaurus.
Are you ready for Stegosaurus?
The Challenge Factory
Books mentioned in this topic
Shifter Wars (other topics)Back on Track (other topics)
Rekindled (other topics)
Purls and Potions (other topics)
A Vision in Velvet (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
A.E. Jones (other topics)Tricia Stringer (other topics)
Tamera Alexander (other topics)
Nancy Warren (other topics)
Juliet Blackwell (other topics)
More...
Dr. Grant, thank you for coming all the way to Costa Rica to examine the DNA. We hope you will enjoy your time here at the biological preserve on Isla Nublar. You should have no worries for your safety. *cue eerie music that will cause shivers up and down your spine*
Your task is to code the dinosaur DNA (read one task from the five tasks given for a dinosaur). You will then post on the DNA Verification thread asking for confirmation whether you have successfully deduced the correct DNA.
If you have not, you will then read for the next dinosaur.
Before you begin the process, I will ask how many dinosaurs you wish to read for. There are 20 possible matches to the unidentified DNA. This number will be noted in your Completion Posts.
HOW TO PLAY:
1. Take a look at the list of dinosaurs.
2. Choose your first extinct reptile and post it into your thread.
3. The moderator will then post the related information and tasks.
4. When you have read one of the tasks, post on your thread the following:
Completion Post (#? of ?)
Is the DNA (dinosaur name goes here)?
Task:
Book:
Pages:
How it Fits:
5. And then leave a message on the DNA Verification thread.
Rules:
* Books must be at least 140 pages.
* You can use or ignore 'a', 'an, 'the'
* Page count for audio books will be determined the first paper version shown on Goodreads. On the book's page, select “all editions”, then use the first paper edition to determine the page number.