Question 36 from UPSC CSE 2023 - S&T

Question

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

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go

Strategy: - Define 'aerial metagenomics' by its key terms: 'aerial' implying air-related, and 'metagenomics' involving genetic analysis of environmental samples.
- Identify the option that specifically describes collecting DNA directly from air in a habitat as aligning with this definition.
- Exclude alternatives mentioning avian species, drones, or blood samples, as they do not capture the environmental and airborne DNA aspect.
- Select option A based on this focused keyword association and definitional alignment.

Key Info: Metagenomics is the study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples, representing all microorganisms present, without needing isolation or culturing.

Aerial metagenomics specifically refers to collecting genetic material (such as DNA fragments) present in the air of a habitat. Air can contain environmental DNA (eDNA) shed by various organisms, including animals, plants, fungi, and microbes, through materials like skin cells, hair, saliva, pollen, and spores.

This approach allows scientists to identify and monitor a wide range of organisms, including those not directly observed, by sequencing DNA from air samples using high-throughput methods. Aerial metagenomics supports biodiversity assessment, wildlife conservation, and ecological monitoring, enabling non-invasive detection of elusive or endangered species.

In contrast to metagenomics from soil or water, this method focuses on airborne genetic material. Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring is an emerging method for studying ecological community composition. It is important to note that the use of drones or sampling avian species' blood is not part of the core aerial metagenomic methodology.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies