Dissertation
What's in the diet? DNA-based analysis for qualitative and quantitative assessment of animal diet
Animal diet studies are critical for understanding ecological processes such as trophic interactions, energy flow, and nutrient cycling. By examining what animals consume, ecologists gain insights into species specialization, predator-prey relationships, and ecosystem management.
- Author
- K. Groen
- Date
- 09 October 2024
- Links
- Thesis in Leiden Repository
These analyses are also essential for managing invasive species, predicting environmental changes, and assessing ecosystem health.Researchers use both non-genetic and genetic methods to study diets. Non-genetic methods, like examining stomach contents or feces, offer direct insights but may be biased due to digestion. Genetic approaches, such as DNA sequencing, allow precise identification of consumed species, offering both qualitative and quantitative data. This thesis explores the strengths and limitations of DNA-based techniques, especially DNA metabarcoding, which has revolutionized dietary studies. However, challenges like incomplete reference databases and issues with quantitative accuracy remain. To address these, the thesis focuses on developing standardized protocols using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) to improve the accuracy of (rare) diet constituents quantification. By refining these methods, the research enhances our understanding of complex dietary interactions and provides tools for more accurate ecological (diet) analysis.