Molecular identity crisis: environmental DNA metabarcoding meets traditional taxonomy-assessing biodiversity and freshwater mussel populations (Unionidae) in Alabama.

ABSTRACT: The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess aquatic biodiversity is a growing field with great potential for monitoring and managing threatened species, like freshwater mussel (Unionidae) populations. Freshwater mussels are globally imperiled and serve essential roles in aquatic systems as a food source and as a natural water filter making their management essential for ecosystem health. Unfortunately, mussel populations are often understudied, and challenges exist to accurately and efficiently describe the full suite of species present. Multispecies eDNA approaches may also be more challenging where freshwater mussel populations are most diverse due to ongoing and significant taxonomic restructuring that has been further complicated by molecular phylogenies using mitochondrial genes. Fo

SUBMITTER: Hauck LL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10078462 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature