1. DNA is the molecule that makes up all living things.
2. DNA is found in all parts of living plants and animals including skin, blood, hair, saliva, feathers, urine and faeces.
3. Each species has unique DNA, so DNA can be used to identify a species.
4. Just like a person can be identified by their fingerprint.
5. Environmental DNA, or eDNA for short, is DNA that exists in the environment.
6. When DNA is shed into the environment, through things like losing skin and hair, it becomes eDNA.
7. Then when a sample is taken from the environment, the eDNA in the sample can be used to identify the species that live there.
8. Environmental samples can include things such as water and soil, or even snow and air.