Correctly Assigning DNA Barcodes to Organisms

Authors

James B. Finlay, Brigham Young University
Dr. Keith A. Crandall, Brigham Young University

Keywords

DNA barcodes, taxonomy, species, biological species concept

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson suggested that what makes humans unique is our innate need for closeness to other forms of life. This “biophilia” has been evident since recorded history and was brought to the forefront of science with Darwin’s famous writings about the origin of species. Since that time there has been a major thrust to categorize all life into groups and subgroups in a field known as taxonomy. There are an estimated 10-15 million extant species (Hammond, 1992) on the earth. Taxonomists have classified roughly 1.6 million of these organisms (Wilson, 1992), indicating that much work needs to be done. It is necessary to describe a species in order so conserve it. However, describing a species is a long and difficult process.

Recommended Citation

Finlay, James B. and Crandall, Dr. Keith A. (2013) "Correctly Assigning DNA Barcodes to Organisms," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1046.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1046