Dr Chae Eun Lim1
1National Institute of Biological Resources, Ministry of Environment, Incheon, South Korea
Biography:
2003. PhD. Seoul National University
2004~2006. Research professor, Konkuk University
2007~present. Senior Researcher, National Institute of Biological Resources
2013~2021. DNA barcoding projects of the native vascular plants in Korea
Abstract:
Understanding paleoenvironmental changes can provide valuable information for predicting and preparing for future climate change. In this study, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis was introduced as a method to understand paleoenvironmental changes. We focused on soil sediment samples from the temperate wetland region of the Korean Peninsula, which are presumed to be sensitive to climate change. As a result of eDNA analysis of soil samples from temperate wetlands on the Korean Peninsula, it was confirmed that eDNA analysis targeting plant taxa was possible in soil sediment core samples from the topsoil layer to 17m underground. A total of 36 families and 57 genera of vascular plants and 2 families of bryophytes were identified. The results of heat map analysis showed a high frequency of occurrence of the Genus Pinus and Quercus. In addition, aquatic plants, evergreen broad-leaved trees, and deciduous coniferous trees appeared over time, confirming changes in flora within the same area. In addition, flora information from the past to the present was reconstructed by combining eDNA and pollen composition results in soil samples, and past flora changes were recognized. In particular, through eDNA analysis, new taxa that were not detected in existing pollen analysis were discovered. To predict floral changes due to future climate change, we developed a prototype artificial intelligence (AI) model based on the correlation between average temperature and the taxonomic information by each era. We present a new approach to predict future biodiversity changes based on past biodiversity information using eDNA analysis and AI technology. As a result, eDNA technology is expected to not only complement existing biodiversity research methods but also become an important tool for understanding past ecosystem changes and predicting future changes. This study is expected to contribute to the development of protocols for soil eDNA analysis and environmental monitoring programs.