DNA barcoding a unique avifauna: an important tool for evolution, systematics and conservation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

DNA barcoding utilises a standardised region of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene to identify specimens to the species level. It has proven to be an effective tool for identification of avian samples. The unique island avifauna of New Zealand is taxonomically and evolutionarily distinct. We analysed COI sequence data in order to determine if DNA barcoding could accurately identify New Zealand birds.

Results

We sequenced 928 specimens from 180 species. Additional Genbank sequences expanded the dataset to 1416 sequences from 211 of the estimated 236 New Zealand species. Furthermore, to improve the assessment of genetic variation in non-endemic species, and to assess the overall accuracy of our approach, sequences from 404 specimens collected outside of New Zeala

SUBMITTER: Tizard J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6369544 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature