www.chromosome.com/dnapic2.html

ALPHA TAXONOMYALPHA TAXONOMY

Barcoding provides a rapid assessment without the need for detailed morphological expertise in the first instance.

More detailed morphological analyses can be undertaken if one is interested in functional morphology, evolutionary adaptations etc.

Rapid confirmation of cryptic species.

MORPHO-SPECIESMORPHO-SPECIES

•Morpho-taxa are designated on easily recognizable characteristics but not comprehensively compared with other species or formally described.

•How do we determine whether similar looking morpho-species from different locations are the same or different?

•DNA barcoding can provide a test of conspecificity.

•Morpho-species approach with DNA barcoding can be used to undertake rapid assessment of new biodiversity.

LINKING ADULT and JUVENILE/LARVAL FORMSLINKING ADULT and JUVENILE/LARVAL FORMS

Linking adult and juvenile stages is often difficult in groups such as marine and freshwater invertebrates, fishes, amphibians and terrestrial invertebrates.

Important implication for management of fisheries, marine bio-regionalisation, identifying larvae of pest species and monitoring freshwater quality.

Better understanding of dispersal patterns of adults and juveniles.

Documenting taxonomic diversity need not rely only on adult specimens.

TRACKING LIFE CYCLES OF SPECIESTRACKING LIFE CYCLES OF SPECIES

In species with complex life-cycles, especially parasites with multiple hosts, barcoding can be an invaluable tool.

LINKING MALE AND FEMALE MORPHOLOGIESLINKING MALE AND FEMALE MORPHOLOGIES

In many Dipteran and Hymenopteran insects, species identity is based on male genital morphology. Female morphology is more conserved and useful at generic alignment but not species identity.

Documenting taxonomic diversity need not rely on male specimens only.

Better understanding of dispersal of males and females within a species and relative abundances of the sexes.

INVASIVE INVASIVE vs.vs. COSMPOLITAN SPECIES COSMPOLITAN SPECIES

A global approach is needed to identify whether a species is widespread in its distribution, or has dispersed through recent human-mediated events.

Regional barcoding programs are a key component. Taxonomic approaches rely on knowledge of taxonomic variation, whereas regional ones are not biased by taxonomic perceptions. BOLD database provides the vehicle for researchers to differentiate between cryptic species, cosmopolitan species and invasive species.

BENEFITS OF DNA BARCODING BENEFITS OF DNA BARCODING

•DNA barcoding can speed up identification of new species.

•DNA barcodes can be linked to readily observable morphological characters.

•DNA barcoding can provide an avenue to encourage new participants into taxonomy.

•Applied taxonomic research areas will benefit from barcoding.

Barcode of Life - International Barcode of Life - International Consortium InitiativeConsortium Initiative

Vision: Plan to launch a large-scale, collaborative program to

build comprehensive barcode registry for eukaryotic life Initiator - Paul Hebert, University of Guelph, Ontario

Targets: Acquisition of DNA barcode records for 5M specimens

representing 500K species Timeframe 5 Years Raise $150M

Invitation Australia has been invited to join ICI

Founding Members

CanadaEuropean Union

United States

International Consortium Initiative

Central Nodes Developing NodesRegional Nodes

AustraliaBrazilChinaIndiaKorea

New ZealandNorway

South Africa

ArgentinaColombia

Costa RicaKenya

MadagascarMexico

ICI Funding Target (5 Years )

Central Nodes > $25M per node

Developing Nodes > $1M per node

Regional Nodes > $5M per node

Total Funding $150M

Collection andDatabasing

Central Nodes

Developing Nodes

Regional Nodes

Curation andIdentification

Sequencing MirroredDatabases

Data Analysisand Access

ICI is an alliance of researchers and biodiversity organisations in 21 nations. All nations active in specimen assembly, curation and data analysis.Sequencing and informatics support by regional and central nodes.

Examples of Current Australian Barcoding ProjectsExamples of Current Australian Barcoding ProjectsFaunaFauna

Project Institution ResearchersMarine and Freshwater fishes, Marine Invertebrates

CSIRO – Marine & Atmospheric Research (CMR)

Dr Bob Ward

FISH-BOL CMAR; Australian Museum; Museum Victoria;

Dr Bob Ward, Dr Bronwyn Holmes, Dr Mark McGrouther, Dr Martin Gomon

Barcoding Economically Important Insects NSW Department of Primary Industries

Dr Andrew Mitchell

Bird Barcoding Australian Museum; Massey University NZ; Museum Victoria;

Dr Les ChristidisDr David LambertDr Janette Norman

Using CO1 to identify forensically and medically important blowflies

University of Wollongong Dr Mark Dowton

Using CO1 to help identify and describe fish eggs

University of Tasmania Dr Francisco Neira, Dr Sandra Davidson

Theory and applications pertaining to use of DNA Barcode trees for biodiversity conservation assessment.

Australian Museum Dr Dan Faith

CO1 and other genes used in phylogeography or molecular systematics projects on Australian termites, whitefly, weed biocontrol insects.

CSIRO Entomology Dr Stephen Cameron

Examples of Current Australian Barcoding Projects Examples of Current Australian Barcoding Projects FloraFlora

Project Institution Researchers

Micro-fungi Botanic Gardens Trust Dr Brett Summerell

Flora of the Kurnell Region (Sydney) Botanic Gardens Trust Dr Darren Crayn

Plants Melbourne Botanic Gardens Dr David Cantrill

ID of plant and animal specimens in ancient sediment

Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, University of Adelaide

Prof Alan Cooper

Barcoding of stygofauna and above-ground invertebrates in underground calcite deposits and desert mound springs

University of Adelaide Prof Andy Austin

Barcoding of grasses and seaweed State Herbarium of South Australian and Biosurvey

Prof Andrew Lowe

Australian Barcoding Regional NodeAustralian Barcoding Regional Nodeto be called The Australian Barcode Network;

a decentralised model with a large network of barcode supporters, users and participants;

a Steering Committee will facilitate and support the barcoding network;

Website to be established as a key means of communication.

Dr Les Christidis (Chair) Australian Museum, SydneyDr Stephen Cameron CSIRO Entomology, CanberraDr Joanne Daly CSIRO Agribusiness, CanberraDr Dan Faith Australian Museum, SydneyProf Andrew Lowe Adelaide Botanic Gardens/Univ. of AdelaideDr Andrew Mitchell NSW Dept Primary Industries, Wagga WaggaDr Janette Norman Museum Victoria, MelbourneDr Bob Ward CSIRO Marine & Atmospheric ResearchDr Cameron Slatyer Aust Dept Environ & Water Resources, CanberraDr Brett Summerrell Botanic Gardens Trust, SydneyDr Paul de Barro CSIRO Entomology, Queensland

Secretary to Committee Australian Museum, Sydney Rebecca Hancock

Links to International InitiativesLinks to International Initiatives

CBOL Scientific Advisory Committee Paul de Barro, CSIRO Entomology - Australian representative

CBOL fish barcoding Dr Bob Ward, CMAR - co-chair of with Paul Hebert

Australian FISH-BOL Dr Bob Ward, CMAR & Martin Gomon, Museum Victoria - co-chair

CBOL “All Birds Barcoding Initiative” Dr Les Christidis, Australian Museum, Dr Janette Norman, Museum Victoria, Dr David Lambert, Massey University, NZ - co-regional coordinators

CBOL “Leading Lab” network Australian Museum

CBOL members - Plant Biodiversity Centre, Adelaide Botanical Gardens;- CSIRO, Hobart;- Australian Plant DNA Bank, Lismore;- National Herbarium of Victoria at Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne- Australian Museum, Sydney- Macquarie University, Sydney

Roles of the Steering CommitteeRoles of the Steering Committee

promoting barcoding for the benefit of Australia;

contribute to international initiatives where appropriate;

establishing Australian Barcode Network website;

informing the Network about barcoding initiatives, support, conferences etc;

providing advice on CBOL standards;

Workshops /training;

negotiating on behalf of barcoders;

providing a link for barcoders to government departments – to “wave the flag”;

pursue funding opportunities.