During the lesson, students learned all about how USGS scientists use DNA to study wildlife like the greater sage-grouse, wild horses, and American bison. Then, they learned how scientists at USGS extract DNA from cells and practiced DNA extraction techniques on strawberries.

The FORT Molecular Ecology Lab applies genetic and genomic technologies to address a variety of complex questions and conservation issues facing the management of the Nation's fish and wildlife resources. For more information about their work and this lesson, please contact Sara Oyler-McCance.