'Aerial metagenomics' best refers to which one of the following situations?
A
Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
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
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
1. Metagenomics is the study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples.
2. 'Aerial' refers to the air.
3. Therefore, 'Aerial metagenomics' involves the study of genetic material (like DNA) collected directly from the air within a specific environment or habitat.
4. This allows scientists to identify the presence and diversity of various organisms (microbes, pollen, small insects, etc.) in that habitat by analyzing the environmental DNA (eDNA) suspended in the air.
5. Option (A) accurately describes this process: Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go.
6. Option (B) focuses only on avian species and their genetic makeup, not the broader environmental sampling from air.
7. Option (C) describes a method for collecting blood samples from animals, not metagenomics from air.
8. Option (D) involves using drones for sample collection from land and water, not specifically analyzing DNA from the air itself.