Understanding Environmental DNA (eDNA)

What is the primary purpose of using eDNA in ecological studies?

• To create new species

• To monitor species in a habitat

• To eliminate invasive species

• To increase biodiversity

How is eDNA typically collected from aquatic environments?

• By using video surveillance

• By observing animal behavior

• By collecting water samples

• By capturing fish

What is the role of PCR in the eDNA analysis process?

• To sequence the entire genome

• To amplify specific genetic markers

• To identify the habitat of species

• To create new DNA sequences

Why are universal primers important in eDNA studies?

• They are specific to one species

• They eliminate unwanted DNA

• They create new species

• They bind to all animal DNA target genes

What is a critical factor for accurate species classification using eDNA?

• The size of the water sample

• The quality of the reference database

• The color of the DNA fragments

• The temperature of the environment

What is one limitation of using eDNA for species abundance estimation?

• It is too expensive

• It cannot detect rare species

• It can only detect plants

• It may not accurately reflect biomass

Why might some species not be detected in an eDNA study?

• They are nocturnal

• They are too small

• They live in deep water

• Their DNA does not bind to the primers

What challenge does eDNA face with undiscovered species?

• They are not affected by environmental changes

• They do not release DNA

• There are no reference sequences available

• They are too large to detect

What might cause elevated levels of eDNA from a rare species?

• A large population

• A dead individual releasing DNA

• A recent migration

• A change in water temperature

What is a potential issue with highly conserved target sequences in eDNA studies?

• They may be identical across species

• They are too variable

• They are too long to sequence

• They degrade quickly