How Fish Numbers Affect DNA in Water

Scientists wanted to see how many fish in a tank affect the DNA floating in the water. They used special tests to measure DNA levels. The idea was to find out if more fish mean more DNA, and how long this DNA lasts. First, they filled tanks with different amounts of fish. Then, they took water samples to check the DNA. They found that more fish do indeed release more DNA. But, this DNA doesn't stay around forever. It breaks down over time. The big question is how this affects studying wildlife. If DNA breaks down quickly, it might not give a full picture of the animals in an area. This is important for scientists who use DNA in water to track fish and other creatures. The study shows that fish biomass, or the total weight of fish in a water body, plays a big role in how much DNA is present. But, it's not just about the amount of DNA. The rate at which it degrades is also crucial. This means scientists need to consider both factors when using environmental DNA for research. In short, the number of fish in a tank affects the DNA in the water. But, this DNA doesn't last long. This is something scientists need to keep in mind when studying wildlife using environmental DNA.