'Aerial metagenomics' best refers to which one of the following situations?
A
Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
Correct Answer
B
Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
C
Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals
D
Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies
Explanation
Aerial metagenomics refers to the collection and analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) shed by organisms into the air, allowing for the simultaneous identification of multiple species in a habitat as stated in option (a). While option (d) is a common distractor because it involves aerial technology like drones, it describes remote physical sampling of specimens rather than the specific genomic analysis of the air itself. The core concept tested is the application of metagenomics—the study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples—to modern biodiversity monitoring.
Biotechnology & Environmental ScienceMetagenomics & Environmental MonitoringAerial metagenomicsDNA samplesairhabitatgenetic makeupavian speciesdrones