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69

Question 69

'Aerial metagenomics' best refers to which one of the following situations?

AOptions

A
A) Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
B
B) Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
C
C) Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals
D
D) Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies

BSolution

'Aerial metagenomics' best refers to: Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go.

Let's break down the term:

  • Metagenomics: This is the study of genetic material (DNA and RNA) recovered directly from environmental samples, without the need for culturing individual organisms. It allows scientists to analyze the collective genomes of entire microbial communities and other organisms present in a sample.
  • Aerial: This refers to something existing, happening, or carried out in the air.

Therefore, 'aerial metagenomics' involves collecting air samples and then extracting and analyzing the DNA present in those samples. This can include DNA from airborne microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses), pollen, spores, animal dander, insect fragments, and other biological aerosols, providing insights into the biodiversity and composition of life forms within a given habitat or geographical area without directly sampling the organisms themselves.

Diagram for Q69

CStrategy

For questions on scientific terminology, break down the compound words into their root meanings. 'Meta-' often refers to collective or comprehensive, and 'genomics' relates to genes/DNA. 'Aerial' clearly indicates air. Combine these to infer the most logical meaning. Eliminate options that describe different techniques or outcomes.

DSyllabus Analysis

This question falls under 'Science and Technology - Bio-technology and Genetics' in the UPSC Prelims syllabus, specifically focusing on emerging fields in biological research.

EQuestion Analysis

Medium. Requires understanding of the terms 'metagenomics' and 'aerial' in a scientific context. The other options are plausible distractions if the core terms are not understood.