Microbial, holobiont, and Tree of Life eDNA/eRNA for enhanced ecological assessment
Lauren S.J. Cook, Andrew G. Briscoe, Vera G. Fonseca, Jens Boenigk, Guy Woodward, David Bass
Abstract
Microbial environmental DNA and RNA (collectively 'eNA') originate from a diverse and abundant array of microbes present in environmental samples. These eNA signals, largely representing whole organisms, serve as a powerful complement to signals derived from fragments or remnants of larger organisms. Integrating microbial data into the toolbox of ecosystem assessments and biotic indices therefore has the potential to transform how we use eNA data to understand biodiversity dynamics and ecosystem functions, and to inform the next generation of environmental monitoring. Incorporating holobiont and Tree of Life approaches into eNA analyses offers further holistic insight into the range of ecological interactions between microbes and other organisms, paving the way for advancing our understanding of, and ultimately manipulating ecosystem properties pertinent to environmental management, conservation, wildlife health, and food production.