Question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:

-. Organisms release cellular material into their environment by shedding substances such as hair or skin.
- The DNA in these substances is known as environmental DNA, or eDNA.
- Researchers collect and analyze eDNA to detect the presence of species that are diffcult to observe.
- Geneticist Sara Oyler-McCance's research team analyzed eDNA in water samples from the Florida Everglades to detect invasive constrictor snake species in the area.
- The study determined a 91% probability of detecting Burmese python eDNA in a given location.
The student wants to present the study to an audience already familiar with environmental DNA. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal? Choose 1 answer:
A) Researchers found Burmese python eDNA, or environmental DNA, in water samples; eDNA is the DNA in released cellular materials, such as shed skin cells.
B) An analysis of eDNA can detect the presence of invasive species that are difficult to observe, such as constrictor snakes.
C) Sara Oyler-McCance's researchers analyzed environmental DNA (eDNA)—that is, DNA from cellular materials released by organisms—in water samples from the Florida Everglades.
D) Sara Oyler-McCance's researchers analyzed eDNA in water samples from the Florida Everglades for evidence of invasive.

Answer 1

Choice B) 'An analysis of eDNA can detect the presence of invasive species that are difficult to observe' most effectively presents the study on eDNA to an informed audience, summarizing its application and significance in detecting invasive species like constrictor snakes.

Step-by-step explanation:

To effectively present the study on environmental DNA (eDNA) to an audience familiar with the concept, it is essential to focus on the method's application and its findings in a specific context. Sara Oyler-McCance's research utilized eDNA to detect invasive constrictor snake species, such as the Burmese python, in the Florida Everglades. Choice B) An analysis of eDNA can detect the presence of invasive species that are difficult to observe, such as constrictor snakes most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to present the study to an audience that has knowledge of eDNA. This option concisely describes how eDNA analysis can be applied to a real-world challenge like monitoring invasive species, which is significant in the field of conservation biology.

Answer 2

Choice B effectively communicates the key finding of Sara Oyler-McCance's research on the detection of invasive constrictor snakes using environmental DNA, utilizing the audience's pre-existing knowledge of eDNA.

Step-by-step explanation:

To effectively present a study on environmental DNA (eDNA) to an audience already familiar with the concept, choice B is the most efficient. It states: An analysis of eDNA can detect the presence of invasive species that are difficult to observe, such as constrictor snakes. This choice concisely communicates the core finding of Sara Oyler-McCance's research team regarding the detection of invasive constrictor snake species, such as the Burmese python, in the Florida Everglades using eDNA collected from water samples.

This approach leverages the audience's prior understanding of eDNA and focuses on the applied research and implications of the findings regarding invasive species detection, which is a significant aspect of biodiversity studies and conservation efforts. Moreover, it underscores the 91% probability of detecting Burmese python eDNA in a given location, which showcases the effectiveness of the method. Highlighting the practical and impactful results aligns well with the specialized audience's knowledge base.