Question

UPSC Prelims 2023 Question:

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

1. Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
2. Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
3. Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving
4. Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

Aerial metagenomics" typically refers to the study of genetic material (such as DNA or RNA) collected from the air, usually in the form of airborne particles or aerosols. It involves analysing the microbial communities present in the air and characterising their genetic diversity.
Ecologists have thought of this, and it certainly works for things like animal droppings. But these, too, must first be detected and collected—and they will identify only the animal that dropped them.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Science & Technology | Recent Developments

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