Environment and Ecology
2023
Biodiversity

‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situations?

D.Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies
A.Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
B.Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
C.Using air-bome devices to collect blood samples from moving animals

Correct Answer: Option A

Metagenomics (also known as environmental or community genomics) involves the genomic analysis of microorganisms through direct extraction and cloning of DNA from a microbial community.

This approach allows for sampling an entire habitat at once. Researchers have demonstrated that environmental DNA (e-DNA) can identify and monitor terrestrial animals. Animals release DNA into the environment through breath, saliva, fur, or feces, which are then collected as e-DNA samples.

Therefore, collecting DNA samples from the air in a habitat in one go best describes aerial metagenomics.

Hence, option A is correct.