DNA Barcoding: A Novel Tool for Observation of Biodiversity

Abstract

Biological specimens, observations, and experimental data are connected with each other through the species name. Thus, species identification is not only a central process to recognize and describe biodiversity, it is a fundamental process to construct biodiversity monitoring databases. Despite the recently increased need for species identification in the field of biodiversity monitoring, ecological research, conservation biology, and political decision-making, the number of taxonomic experts who are able to make such identification is decreasing (Hopkins and Freckleton 2002). This situation requires a rapid, precise species identification system that enables nontaxonomists to identify numerous biological specimens.