Flesh-Eating Flies Map Forest Biodiversity

Friday, January 4, 2013 - 14:00 in Biology & Nature

The blowflies and flesh flies that settle on dead animals aren't just feasting on the carrion -- they're sampling their DNA. Scientists in Germany have now shown that this DNA persists for long enough to be sequenced, providing a quick and cost-effective snapshot of mammal diversity in otherwise inaccessible rainforests. [More]

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