Simulated Prehistoric Lifeform
A Simulated Prehistoric Lifeform (SPL, also referred to as "Replisaurs", "Repliraptors", or "DIYnosaurs") are a category of genetically-engineered lifeform created from the DNA of extinct, prehistoric animals, or entirely new lifeforms created to resemble them. The first simulated prehistoric lifeforms were created in 2032, when a number of universities and biotech corporations collaborated to resurrect the first wooly mammoths. Since then, the technology to resurrect extinct animals has only improved, with the first dinosaur being created in 2038, and the first fully artifical lifeform in 2051.
In most cases, a simulated prehistoric lifeform is extremely different to the original creature, with some exceptions from relatively recent animals (notable examples include wooly mammoths and tasmanian tigers). As DNA degrades over time, it is almost entirely un-extractable from creatures that existed millions of years ago. Due to this, SPL technology revolves around modifying contemporary creatures' DNA to create an approximate facsimile of the extinct creature. However, concessions are often made with internal biology to make the SPL adapt better to modern environments.
While the first SPLs were a purely academic exercise, they have since been used for practical purposes. The first practical usage was the release of wooly mammoths into the Arctic, where they help maintain permafrost and prevent it from melting. However, the most prominent example of SPLs in the public consciousness is Dinosaur Island. Opened in 2063 in the Caribbean to capitalise on the film Jurassic Park's 70th anniversary, it features numerous "dinosaurs" such as the tyrannosaurus rex, stegosaurus, brachiosaurus, and triceratops. However, these SPLs are nothing like real-life dinosaurs. Instead, they were manufactured to resemble what the public views as dinosaurs. This has drawn significant criticism from both academics and animal-rights groups, but Dinosaur Island remains one of the world's top tourist destinations.
In most cases, a simulated prehistoric lifeform is extremely different to the original creature, with some exceptions from relatively recent animals (notable examples include wooly mammoths and tasmanian tigers). As DNA degrades over time, it is almost entirely un-extractable from creatures that existed millions of years ago. Due to this, SPL technology revolves around modifying contemporary creatures' DNA to create an approximate facsimile of the extinct creature. However, concessions are often made with internal biology to make the SPL adapt better to modern environments.
While the first SPLs were a purely academic exercise, they have since been used for practical purposes. The first practical usage was the release of wooly mammoths into the Arctic, where they help maintain permafrost and prevent it from melting. However, the most prominent example of SPLs in the public consciousness is Dinosaur Island. Opened in 2063 in the Caribbean to capitalise on the film Jurassic Park's 70th anniversary, it features numerous "dinosaurs" such as the tyrannosaurus rex, stegosaurus, brachiosaurus, and triceratops. However, these SPLs are nothing like real-life dinosaurs. Instead, they were manufactured to resemble what the public views as dinosaurs. This has drawn significant criticism from both academics and animal-rights groups, but Dinosaur Island remains one of the world's top tourist destinations.
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