What does the term "metagenomics" refer to?

Metagenomics refers to the study of genetic material that is recovered directly from environmental samples. This area of research allows scientists to analyze the collective genomes of microbial communities without the need for isolating and culturing the organisms in the lab. By using metagenomic techniques, researchers can gain insights into the diversity and functional potential of microorganisms present in various environments, such as soil, water, or the human gut.

This approach is particularly valuable because a large proportion of microbes in nature are not easily cultivable, and metagenomics provides a way to study them in their natural habitat. The process involves sequencing the DNA obtained from environmental samples, which can reveal novel genes, metabolic pathways, and interactions among different microbial species.

In contrast, the other options focus on more specific aspects of genomics. The examination of genetic variation within a single species looks at intra-species differences rather than the broader community context provided by metagenomics. The analysis of specific genes in a controlled laboratory setting limits the scope to defined parameters and does not capture the diverse interactions present in environmental samples. Investigating plant and animal genomes pertains to specific organisms rather than the vast array of genetic material sourced from a variety of organisms in an ecosystem.