logo
ResearchBunny Logo
Under the karst: detecting hidden subterranean assemblages using eDNA metabarcoding in the caves of Christmas Island, Australia

Environmental Studies and Forestry

Under the karst: detecting hidden subterranean assemblages using eDNA metabarcoding in the caves of Christmas Island, Australia

K. M. West, Z. T. Richards, et al.

Explore the intriguing world of subterranean aquatic life with this groundbreaking study conducted by Katrina M. West and colleagues. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to uncover the biodiversity hidden within the caves and springs of Christmas Island, Australia, this research reveals significant patterns influenced by environmental factors such as salinity and dissolved oxygen.

00:00
00:00
Playback language: English
Abstract
This study used environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to survey subterranean aquatic assemblages in the karst landscape of Christmas Island, Australia. Three metabarcoding assays were applied to water and sediment samples from 23 caves and springs. The results revealed a wide diversity of eukaryotic taxa. Community composition varied significantly between cave and spring sites, influenced by salinity, dissolved oxygen, and longitudinal gradients. Analysis of biotic and abiotic data predicted potential underground interconnectivity, identifying three cave and spring groups with high similarity.
Publisher
Scientific Reports
Published On
Dec 08, 2020
Authors
Katrina M. West, Zoe T. Richards, Euan S. Harvey, Robert Susac, Alicia Grealy, Michael Bunce
Tags
environmental DNA
metabarcoding
biodiversity
Christmas Island
subterranean aquatic assemblages
karst landscape
ecological connectivity
Listen, Learn & Level Up
Over 10,000 hours of research content in 25+ fields, available in 12+ languages.
No more digging through PDFs, just hit play and absorb the world's latest research in your language, on your time.
listen to research audio papers with researchbunny