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Performance of DNA Metabarcoding vs. Morphological Methods for Assessing Intertidal Turf and Foliose Algae Diversity
Gabriela Borer1,2,3, Cátia Monteiro1,2, Fernando P Lima1,2
1BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal.
Molecular Ecology Resources
|April 24, 2025
Summary
DNA metabarcoding is a more effective tool than traditional methods for monitoring marine algae diversity and distribution. This molecular approach accurately identifies turf and foliose algae, crucial for understanding coastal ecosystem changes.
Area of Science:
- Marine Ecology
- Molecular Ecology
- Phycology
Background:
- Marine ecosystems are experiencing significant biogeographical shifts due to climate change and invasive species.
- Turf and foliose algae are vital coastal primary producers facing range expansions.
- Accurate monitoring of these algae is essential for understanding ecosystem dynamics but is hindered by morphological identification challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of DNA metabarcoding (COI and rbcL markers) against morphological identification for describing intertidal turf and foliose algae communities.
- To assess the effectiveness of molecular methods in detecting species diversity and regional distribution patterns.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of DNA metabarcoding (using COI and rbcL markers) with traditional in situ and photoquadrat morphological identification.
- Analysis of intertidal turf and foliose algae communities along the Portuguese coast.
- Evaluation of taxonomic resolution and detection capabilities of each method.
Main Results:
- DNA metabarcoding detected a higher number of taxa and provided better discrimination of regional algae communities compared to morphological methods.
- The molecular approach successfully differentiated morphologically similar species and detected unicellular organisms.
- Morphological methods identified some taxa not detected by metabarcoding, potentially due to limitations in reference databases or taxonomic resolution.
Conclusions:
- Multi-marker DNA metabarcoding is a more efficient and accurate tool for characterizing turf and foliose algae communities than morphology-based methods.
- Metabarcoding offers advantages in speed, reproducibility, and taxonomic resolution for long-term monitoring programs.
- While metabarcoding shows great promise, ongoing efforts to expand reference barcode databases are crucial for comprehensive biodiversity assessment.
