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DNA barcoding gap: reliable species identification over morphological and geographical scales
Klemen Čandek1, Matjaž Kuntner
1Institute of Biology, Scientific Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Novi Trg 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Molecular Ecology Resources
|July 22, 2014
Summary
DNA barcoding is highly useful for identifying spider species, even those with low morphological distinctness. This molecular tool provides valuable biogeographic insights across various taxonomic groups and geographic scales.
Area of Science:
- Arachnology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- DNA barcoding's utility is debated, particularly for certain animal groups.
- Previous research has questioned its effectiveness in specific taxa like dipterans and butterflies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of DNA barcoding for identifying spider species.
- To assess the impact of taxonomic, morphological, and geographic factors on DNA barcoding effectiveness in spiders.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of over 75,000 Kimura 2-parameter (K2P) genetic distances to find a 'barcoding gap'.
- Comparison of K2P distances in congeneric species with varying morphological distinctness across 11 families.
- Evaluation of genetic variability in DNA barcodes with expanded geographic sampling at a continental scale.
Main Results:
- DNA barcoding demonstrates high utility for spider species identification across diverse groups.
- The 'barcoding gap' size is influenced by taxonomic factors and sampling practices.
- DNA barcodes effectively identify species irrespective of morphological distinctness and hold biogeographic information.
Conclusions:
- DNA barcoding is a robust tool for spider identification and biogeographic studies.
- Consistent statistical definition and documentation of the 'barcoding gap' are crucial.
- Molecular and morphological evolution patterns appear independent in spiders.
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