Environmental DNA (e-DNA) – UPSC Prelims

Environmental DNA or eDNA is DNA that is collected from a variety of environmental samples such as soil, seawater, snow or air rather than directly sampled from an individual organism.

Example sources of eDNA include faeces, mucus, gametes, shed skin, carcasses and hair.

Researchers have found that Airborne DNA (Sampling the air around animals) can yield valuable genetic material that can identify ecological interaction between different species, besides recognising the animals.

Airborne e-DNA could help understand the composition of animal communities and detect the spread of non-native species.

It can also aid in tracking long-distance migratory birds and other birds’ flying patterns.