Q69 · UPSC Prelims 2023 · Set A · Current Affairs and GK

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Aerial metagenomics' best refers towhich 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: (a) Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go

Explanation

  1. A

    Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go

    Collecting DNA from air in a habitat in one go. That is aerial metagenomics.

  2. B

    Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat

    Genetic makeup of birds. Ornithology, not this term.

  3. C

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

    Airborne blood sampling. Not the method.

  4. D

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

    Drones collecting bulk samples. Field logistics, not metagenomics of air.

Summary. Official key is (a). Aerial metagenomics samples environmental DNA/RNA from air — a snapshot of the organisms shedding genetic material in that habitat. It is not a bird genome project, dart-sampling, or drone fieldwork as such.