DNA shed by organisms into water or soil allows detection of species without capturing them.
Samples of water, soil or air are filtered, DNA extracted and amplified with metabarcoding. It detects rare or invasive species, such as Asian carp. Considerations: DNA persistence and transport.
eDNA sampling is non-invasive. Primer choice affects detection. Positive and negative controls are essential.
Example: fish surveys through water samples.
DNA shed by organisms into water or soil allows detection of species without capturing them.
Environmental DNA is one of the 52 topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Invasive Species, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function, Community Phylogenetics.
EDNA surveys detect great crested newts in ponds.
Work through the Beginner topics in Taxonomy & Biodiversity first, such as Taxonomy, Binomial Nomenclature, Taxonomic Hierarchy, then return to Environmental DNA. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Environmental DNA are Invasive Species, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function, Community Phylogenetics, Rewilding. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Environmental DNA. To practise the whole of Taxonomy & Biodiversity, use the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz.
Environmental DNA: DNA shed by organisms into water or soil allows detection of species without capturing them. Invasive Species: Non-native organisms that spread and harm local ecosystems and economies. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Invasive Species and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Taxonomy & Biodiversity quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Non-native organisms that spread and harm local ecosystems and economies.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityExperiments show richer communities often have higher productivity and stability.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityUses phylogenetic distance among co-occurring species to infer assembly processes.
🗂️ Taxonomy & BiodiversityRestoring ecosystems by reintroducing species and natural processes.
🗂️ Taxonomy & Biodiversity