Lake sedimentary DNA to reveal long-term changes in aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem functioning

The emergence of molecular analyses based on the sequencing sedimentary DNA has opened up many new areas inquiry in paleolimnology. preserved sediments (SedDNA) offers possibility to consider taxa that were traditionally not accessible because they do leave distinct morphological fossils. Recent applications considered a diversity biological groups (including bacteria, protists, zooplankton, fish) illustrate how efficiently SedDNA-based methods complement both classical paleolimnology proxies and limnological data. knowledge gained from this approach is very diverse scope, ranging quantifying natural variability population community dynamics understanding these variables respond anthropogenic disturbances climatic change. use lake track long-term changes aquatic biota rapidly advancing field research. Based recent applications, presentation illustrates (i) potential challenges associated with study SedDNA address critical research questions lacustrine ecology (ii) main methodological precautions be taken into account for implementing types (i.e. best practices) (iii) emerging topics could addressed using DNA, particular reconstruct temporal biodiversity.