Data from: Environmental DNA reveals that rivers are conveyer belts of biodiversity information

DNA sampled from the environment (eDNA) is a useful way to uncover biodiversity patterns. By combining a conceptual model and empirical data, we test whether eDNA transported in river networks can be used as an integrative way to assess eukaryotic biodiversity for broad spatial scales and across the land–water interface. Using an eDNA metabarcode approach, we detect 296 families of eukaryotes, spanning 19 phyla across the catchment of a river. We show for a subset of these families that eDNA samples overcome spatial autocorrelation biases associated with the classical community assessments by integrating biodiversity information over space. In addition, we demonstrate that many terrestrial species are detected; thus suggesting eDNA in river water also incorporates biodiversity information across terrestrial and aquatic biomes. Environmental DNA transported in river networks offers a novel and spatially integrated way to assess the total biodiversity for whole landscapes and will transform biodiversity data acquisition in ecology.

从环境中采集的DNA（eDNA）是揭示生物多样性格局的有效手段。本研究结合概念模型与实证数据，探究河网中运移的eDNA能否作为一种整合性方法，在大空间尺度及水陆界面上评估真核生物多样性。本研究采用eDNA元条形码技术，在某河流流域内共检测到涵盖19个门的296个真核生物科。针对其中部分类群，本研究证实eDNA样本可通过整合空间范围内的生物多样性信息，规避传统群落调查所存在的空间自相关偏差。此外，本研究还检测到大量陆生物种，这表明河水中的eDNA同样可整合陆生与水生生物群落的生物多样性信息。河网中运移的eDNA为全景观尺度的整体生物多样性评估提供了一种全新的空间整合方法，或将重塑生态学领域的生物多样性数据获取范式。