THE USE OF DNA BARCODES
In this very interesting scientific article, authors Paul D. Hebert,
Mark Y. Stoeckle, Tyler S. Zemlak and Charles M. Francis discuss in-depth
the process by which they have identified birds through their DNA barcodes,
derived from "short DNA sequences from a standardized region of the
genome." Certainly, this highly-complex process is far superior to the old
methods used to identify bird species, due to the fact that by putting
together what the authors call a public library of DNA barcodes, this would
"provide a new master key for identifying species, one whose power will
rise with increased taxon coverage and with faster, cheaper" DNA
sequencing."
What is most exciting about this new process is that these DNA
barcodes allow researchers and scientists to expertly determine the
differences between closely-related bird species, such as a hawk and an
eagle, which ultimately may provide researchers with the genetic link to
prove that birds have truly evolved from lower and similar bird species
from the long distant past. In addition, this process will enable
scientists to accurately determine how a particular bird species like a
sparrow is genetically similar to and/or different from a finch or perhaps
a canary.
Furthermore, the authors point out that this DNA process know as COI
barcoding can also be applied to insects and other arthropods and that it
will also help with identifying food remnants found in the stomachs of
predatory birds. Thus, when a library of DNA barcodes is finally created,
it will become a very effective system and perhaps even serve as the "new
master key to the encyclopedia of life" which could potentially create
"widespread scientific and practical benefits" for human society.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hebert, Paul D.N., Stoeckle, Mark Y., Zemlak, Tyler S. and Charles M.
Francis. "Identification
of Birds Through DNA Barcodes." PLOS Biology. October 2004. Vol. 2
issue 10: 1657-
1664.
