Environmental DNA or eDNA is emerging as an innovative approach to studying biodiversity. In this context, it is important to understand the meaning of environmental DNA, its functions and other details for the IAS exam GS paper III.

What is eDNA?

eDNA refers to genetic material from organisms present in the environment, including plants and animals.

• Researchers discovered that air quality control station filters also collect eDNA from the surrounding ecosystem.
• Air quality control stations, equipped with filters, offer a previously untapped source of eDNA samples.
• The inclusion of eDNA analysis enhances the potential of these stations for biodiversity monitoring.
• Collaboration between molecular ecologist Elizabeth Clare and air quality scientist James Allerton led to this innovative exploration.
• Air quality control stations inadvertently capture environmental DNA (eDNA) along with particulate matter.
• eDNA analysis from air quality control stations presents a groundbreaking approach to studying biodiversity.

What are the Benefits of eDNA?

Expanding the Scope of Biodiversity Tracking:

• Utilizing eDNA from air quality control stations allows for biodiversity assessment at a larger scale.
• It facilitates the detection of species declines, ecosystem changes, and overall biodiversity trends.

Abundance and Diversity of eDNA:

• The examination of filters unveiled over 180 distinct species of local flora and fauna, encompassing pine trees, badgers, owls, fungi, and newts.
• The unexpected richness of eDNA samples highlights the prevalence of airborne genetic material.

Temporal Patterns in eDNA:

• Filters exposed to ambient air for varying durations, such as one hour, one day, and one week, were examined.
• Plant life was detected even on filters exposed for just one hour, while birds and mammals appeared more prominently in longer-duration samples.

Unexplored Temporal Extent:

• Some air quality control stations have stored filters for extended periods, potentially spanning several decades.
• The possibility of accessing historical eDNA samples opens up opportunities for long-term biodiversity monitoring.

Considerations and Future Directions:

• Comparing eDNA from filters to local fauna remains a priority to determine accuracy and proximity.
• The potential of eDNA extends beyond air quality control stations, calling for further exploration in other environments.
• Researchers aim to assess the utility of eDNA data and its integration into biodiversity conservation efforts.

Conclusion

• The inadvertent capture of eDNA by air quality control stations presents a groundbreaking opportunity for biodiversity tracking.
• Airborne genetic material provides a unique perspective on ecosystem health and changes over time.
• Ongoing research endeavours aim to unlock the full potential of eDNA analysis and its application in biodiversity conservation.

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