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

'Aerial metagenomics' best refers to which one of the following situations?
  1. Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
  2. Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
  3. Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals
  4. Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal samples from land surfaces and water bodies

Solution

Per the official UPSC key, the answer is D. Aerial metagenomics actually means collecting environmental DNA from air — option A is technically correct; UPSC officially marked D.

Asked in: UPSC Prelims 2023

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