Baaa-ck
to the menuWhen you click onto a Wikipedia site, like this entry about cloning, you might think that you've hit something marvelous. After all, it's an encyclopedia and it's free. The problem with Wikipedia, however, is that it is not completely reliable. Who are the authors who are creating this free encyclopedia. Some of them might be perfectly capable and knowledgeable people. On the other hand, most real experts would want to have a bit of credit and perhaps pay for writing a reference book entry. The Wikipedia authors are volunteers. By and large, they do good work and provide solid information, but I do not want "by and large" information in my paper. I want 100% solid information.
If you have your doubts about my doubts, then allow me to take you on a bit of a history tour of this page. As you'll see near the top of each Wikipedia page, a "History" tab is provided. By clicking on this tab, you can see the process through which this page has developed during its existence. In the case of the "Cloning" page, you'll find many, many versions. Some of these simply reflect minor corrections. Some of them reflect large additions or revisions. Others represent repair work when a vandal damages the page. Look at the 31 October 2001 version of the cloning page. Then compare the version that appeared only a few days later on 8 November 2001. Specifically, you'll notice that the treatment of the Raelians (referred to in both cases as Raelites) differing between these pages. Apparently the October 31 writer took that group more seriously than did the November 8 writer. From what I can find, this paragraph has disappeared in recent versions of the page. Scan through the history of this page and you will find a minor controversy over whether a Chinese scientist successfully cloned carp in 1963. Either the scientist did or didn't, but the writers at Wikipedia cannot seem to agree.
Judgment: When I am looking for quick and non-critical information--for example, the atomic number of Plutonium--I may very well use Wikipedia. However, if I am going to publish or submit anything on which my reputation, my success, my grades, or anything else important depends, I will not use Wikipedia. I would recommend against you citing this source.