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A DNA barcoding framework for taxonomic verification in the Darwin Tree of Life Project

Affiliations
  • 1Institute of Ecology and Evolution, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH9 3FL, UK.
  • 2Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH3 5LR, UK.
  • 3Natural History Museum, London, England, SW7 5BD, UK.
  • 4The Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, England, PL1 2PB, UK.
  • 5Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, England, CB10 1SA, UK.
  • 6Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics, Barcelona, Spain.
  • 7Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, OX1 3SZ, UK.
  • 8Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Richmond, England, TW9 3AB, UK.
  • 9Earlham Institute, Norwich, NR4 7UZ, UK.

Published on:

October 10, 2024

Abstract

Biodiversity genomics research requires reliable organismal identification, which can be difficult based on morphology alone. DNA-based identification using DNA barcoding can provide confirmation of species identity and resolve taxonomic issues but is rarely used in studies generating reference genomes. Here, we describe the development and implementation of DNA barcoding for the Darwin Tree of Life Project (DToL), which aims to sequence and assemble high quality reference genomes for all eukaryotic species in Britain and Ireland. We present a standardised framework for DNA barcode sequencing and data interpretation that is then adapted for diverse organismal groups. DNA barcoding data from over 12,000 DToL specimens has identified up to 20% of samples requiring additional verification, with 2% of seed plants and 3.5% of animal specimens subsequently having their names changed. We also make recommendations for future developments using new sequencing approaches and streamlined bioinformatic approaches.

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