🧬 The Power of Environmental DNA
If you have watched a true crime documentary, you may have realized that DNA is all around us. From a strand of hair to a fingerprint, we frequently leave traces of our genetic signature in our surroundings.
Animals naturally shed DNA through their feces, skin, and hair as they
move throughout their environment. By sampling soil, water, snow, or
even air, we can access this
environmental DNA (eDNA).
An eDNA sample carries the
genetic code of tens, maybe hundreds, of animals and can
provide us with all kinds of information.