Description
Book SynopsisEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) refers to DNA that can be extracted from environmental samples (such as soil, water, feces, or air) without the prior isolation of any target organism. The analysis of environmental DNA has the potential of providing high-throughput information on taxa and functional genes in a given environment, and is easily amenable to the study of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It can provide an understanding of past or present biological communities as well as their trophic relationships, and can thus offer useful insights into ecosystem functioning. There is now a rapidly-growing interest amongst biologists in applying analysis of environmental DNA to their own research. However, good practices and protocols dealing with environmental DNA are currently widely dispersed across numerous papers, with many of them presenting only preliminary results and using a diversity of methods. In this context, the principal objective of this practical handbook is to provide bi
Trade ReviewThis volume fills a much-needed gap, offering a gentle introduction into the field of environmental DNA, which will be especially useful for readers of minor to intermediate experience with environmental DNA. * Vasco Elbrecht, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Guelph, The Quarterly Review of Biology *
An excellent instructional book or supplementary reading for any eDNA based classes...It is a timely and important addition to the field of molecular ecology, and will undoubtedly remain the go-to book on metabarcoding for several years. * Dr Anthony A. Charlton, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia, Molecular Ecology *
This book is a timely overview of eDNA as a complimentary and non-invasive approach for investigating and monitoring biodiversity. The book is an ideal introduction to all ecologists looking to eDNA, but also speaks to the more experienced researchers in molecular ecology. Lastly, it provides textbook material for university courses around the world. * Philip Francis Thomsen, Trends in Ecology & Evolution Journal *
If you are contemplating moving into this topic, or just want to understand it better, do try and get your hands on a copy - something that might not be that easy just now as I understand the book has proved to be so popular that it is already having to be reprinted. * IMA FUNGUS *
In a world faced with accelerating environmental change and loss of biodiversity, this book is a timely overview of eDNA as a complementary and noninvasive approach for investigating and monitoring biodiversity ... an ideal introduction to all ecologists looking to eDNA as a method of choice, but also speaks to the more experienced researchers in molecular ecology. Lastly, it provides textbook material for university courses around the world, where eDNA is continuously increasing in popularity. * Philip Francis Thomsen, Department of Bioscience, University of Aarhus, Trends in Ecology and Evolution *
Table of Contents1: Introduction to environmental DNA (eDNA) 2: DNA metabarcode choice and design 3: Reference databases 4: Sampling 5: DNA extraction 6: DNA amplification and multiplexing 7: DNA sequencing 8: DNA metabarcoding data analysis 9: Single-species detection 10: Environmental DNA for functional diversity 11: Some early landmark studies 12: Freshwater ecosystems 13: Marine environments 14: Terrestrial ecosystems 15: Palaeoenvironments 16: Host-associated microbiota 17: Diet analysis 18: Analysis of bulk samples 19: The future of eDNA metabarcoding
