DNA analysis has become commonplace and inexpensive. Millions of people have their DNA tested to learn about their origins and family connections. And the technology has spread to biological research in the form of Environmental DNA or eDNA, which is such a powerful tool that it is transforming the field of wildlife biology.
A quick and inexpensive DNA sampling of a river, stream, or lake can now reveal what fish or other animals live there. Every insect, fish, or animal continually sloughs off bits of its DNA – in its feces or from its skin – and just a single cell of the invisible, free-floating genetic material can tell researchers which species are present in a river or other water body.
eDNA was first used to detect invasive bullfrogs in France a decade ago. About 8 years ago, it was used to detect invasive Asian carp in and around the Great Lakes. Since then, the use of the technology has grown exponentially.
Managing species in underwater environments is generally very difficult since you often can’t see them at all, even if they are 80-pound Asian carp. With eDNA, it is possible to detect the distribution of species in places where it just wasn’t possible before.
Experts say that the technology is still in its early stages and is likely to become even more powerful. The next step is likely to be the ability to estimate the abundance of a species in a river or other body of water based on the quantity of DNA found in water samples.
eDNA is powerful tool that will allow us to better manage commercial and endangered species.
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A Splash of River Water Now Reveals the DNA of All Its Creatures
Photo, posted October 9, 2010, courtesy of Flickr.
‘DNA Analysis of River Water’ from Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.