A Retrospective Approach to Testing the DNA Barcoding Method

摘要: A decade ago, DNA barcoding was proposed as a standardised method for identifying existing species and speeding the discovery of new species. Yet, despite its numerous successes across range taxa, frequent failures have brought into question accuracy short-cut taxonomic method. We use retrospective approach, applying to classification New Zealand skinks it stood in 1977 (primarily based upon morphological characters), compare current taxonomy reached using both molecular approaches. For dataset, had moderate-high success specimens (78-98%), correctly flagging that since been confirmed distinct taxa (77-100%). But most matching methods failed detect complexes were present 1977. there (53-99%). datasets, capacity discover dependent on methodological approach used. Species delimitation hindered by absence either local or global gap, result recent speciation events hybridisation. Whilst is potentially useful specimen identification skinks, error rate could hinder progress documenting biodiversity this group. suggest integrated approaches are more effective at discovering describing biodiversity.