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All main functions of an organism, such as the structure and appearance, are determined by the genetic material, i.e. the DNA. The complete set of information in the DNA of an organism is called the genome. The regions that encode the genetic information are called genes.
Today it is possible to study ancient DNA, i.e. any amount of genetic material that can be recovered from dead organisms (skeletons, mummies, remains of prehistoric or extinct animals) found in archaeological excavations. With the help of specialised laboratory techniques, the evolution of ancient human and animal populations can be reconstructed.