Aquatic macroinvertebrate DNA barcoding

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DNA barcoding
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DNA barcoding is an alternative method to the traditional morphological taxonomic classification, and has frequently been used to identify species of aquatic macroinvertebrates (generally considered those large enough to be seen without magnification). Many are crucial indicator organisms in the bioassessment of freshwater (e.g.: Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) and marine (e.g. Annelida, Echinoderms, Molluscs) ecosystems.

Since its introduction, the field of DNA barcoding has matured to bridge the gap between traditional taxonomy and molecular systematics. This technique has the ability to provide more detailed taxonomic information, particularly for cryptic, small, or rare species. DNA barcoding involves specific targeting of gene regions that are found and conserved in most animal species, but have high variation between members of different species. Accurate diagnosis depends on low intraspecific variation compared with that between species, a short DNA sequence such as Cytochrome Subunit Oxidase I gene (COI), would allow precise allocation of an individual to a taxon.