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76 CB 1.3 GENETIC VARIATION
USING KNOWLEDGE OF GENETICS
Environmental DNA
Traditionally, scientists have monitored ecosystems by physically exploring them, observing species
living there and counting their numbers. This is very difficult and costly for a number of reasons.
All living things shed genetic material (typically in the form of skin cells, hair, fur, scales, and faeces)
into their environment as they move through it. By collecting samples of ‘eDNA’, and using DNA
barcoding technology, scientists can determine what organisms are present, and even identify
new species, all without ever actually observing the organisms.
RV SILVERBACK
Scientists collect a
sample of seawater
The sample is filtered to remove
everything except the DNA
DNA is sequenced and compared
to a DNA Barcode database
DNA barcodes can be used to
identify the presence (or
absence) of species
Many species
One species
1. What is eDNA?
2. Describe the benefits of using eDNA and DNA barcoding technology over traditional
methods such as direct observation.
3. Can eDNA analysis tell how many individuals of a species are present?
4. Outline the steps required if you wanted to use eDNA technology to determine if pest
species such as goats, deer and possums are present in a conservation area.
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