Utility of DNA barcoding to identify rare endemic vascular plant species in Trinidad.

ABSTRACT: The islands of the Caribbean are considered to be a "biodiversity hotspot." Collectively, a high level of endemism for several plant groups has been reported for this region. Biodiversity conservation should, in part, be informed by taxonomy, population status, and distribution of flora. One taxonomic impediment to species inventory and management is correct identification as conventional morphology-based assessment is subject to several caveats. DNA barcoding can be a useful tool to quickly and accurately identify species and has the potential to prompt the discovery of new species. In this study, the ability of DNA barcoding to confirm the identities of 14 endangered endemic vascular plant species in Trinidad was assessed using three DNA barcodes (matK, rbcL, and rpoC1</

SUBMITTER: Hosein FN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5606854 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature