Learn about eDNA and pest management

All living things shed genetic material like hair, scales, skin and faeces into their local environment. This is known as environmental DNA (eDNA). Environmental DNA is used to monitor or detect species within an ecosystem – including organisms that shouldn’t be there. It can detect invasive species before their populations grow, helping to stop their spread.

Background information 

• Environmental DNA – article

• eDNA explorers – discovering life in the lakes of Aotearoa – video

• DNA extraction – article

Teaching resources

• Using eDNA to detect and protect taonga freshwater species in Aotearoa – three-level reading guide: read a short article and answer questions – Word document

• Draw as a scientist: read two articles about how scientists are using eDNA in novel ways and communicate an idea from one of the articles via artwork – Word document

• Modelling eDNA in a marine ecosystem – teacher notes: simulate how eDNA can help to identify pest species – Word document

• Modelling eDNA in a marine ecosystem – student worksheet – Word document

• Species cards for modelling eDNA in a marine ecosystem – PDF

• Species tokens for modelling eDNA in a marine ecosystem – PDF

• DNA sequences for modelling eDNA in a marine ecosystem – PDF

• What can DNA in the environment tell us about an ecosystem? – teacher instructions: use a journal article to actively research and answer questions about taxonomy and eDNA – Word document

• What can DNA in the environment tell us about an ecosystem? – student questions: – Word document

• What can DNA in the environment tell us about an ecosystem?: journal article – PDF

Diagram: Schallenberg, L., Wood, S., Pochon, X. & Pearman, J. (2020) What Can DNA in the Environment Tell Us About an Ecosystem? Frontiers for Young Minds. 8:150. doi: 10.3389/frym.2019.00150. Released under CC BY4.0.

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