Final answer:
Metagenomics is the study of the collective genomes of multiple species in an environmental niche. It can be used to identify new species and analyze the effect of pollutants on the environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Metagenomics is the study of the collective genomes of multiple species that grow and interact in an environmental niche. It can be used to identify new species more rapidly and analyze the effect of pollutants on the environment. For example, by sequencing the genetic material in an environmental sample, researchers can determine the diversity of microorganisms in that sample and understand their functional roles in the ecosystem.