DNA Barcoding and The Australian Barcode Network

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DNA BarcodingandThe Australian Barcode Network
www.chromosome.com/dnapic2.html
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ALPHA TAXONOMY Barcoding provides a rapid
assessment without the need for detailed
morphological expertise in the first instance.
More detailed morphological analyses can be
undertaken if one is interested in functional
morphology, evolutionary adaptations etc. Rapid
confirmation of cryptic species.
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• MORPHO-SPECIES
• Morpho-taxa are designated on easily recognizable
  characteristics but not comprehensively compared
  with other species or formally described.
• How do we determine whether similar looking
  morpho-species from different locations are the
  same or different?
• DNA barcoding can provide a test of
  conspecificity.
• Morpho-species approach with DNA barcoding can be
  used to undertake rapid assessment of new
  biodiversity.

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LINKING ADULT and JUVENILE/LARVAL FORMS Linking
adult and juvenile stages is often difficult in
groups such as marine and freshwater
invertebrates, fishes, amphibians and terrestrial
invertebrates. Important implication for
management of fisheries, marine
bio-regionalisation, identifying larvae of pest
species and monitoring freshwater
quality. Better understanding of dispersal
patterns of adults and juveniles. Documenting
taxonomic diversity need not rely only on adult
specimens.
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TRACKING LIFE CYCLES OF SPECIES In species with
complex life-cycles, especially parasites with
multiple hosts, barcoding can be an invaluable
tool.
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LINKING MALE AND FEMALE MORPHOLOGIES In many
Dipteran and Hymenopteran insects, species
identity is based on male genital morphology.
Female morphology is more conserved and useful at
generic alignment but not species
identity. Documenting taxonomic diversity need
not rely on male specimens only. Better
understanding of dispersal of males and females
within a species and relative abundances of the
sexes.
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INVASIVE vs. COSMPOLITAN SPECIES A global
approach is needed to identify whether a species
is widespread in its distribution, or has
dispersed through recent human-mediated
events. Regional barcoding programs are a key
component. Taxonomic approaches rely on knowledge
of taxonomic variation, whereas regional ones are
not biased by taxonomic perceptions. BOLD
database provides the vehicle for researchers to
differentiate between cryptic species,
cosmopolitan species and invasive species.
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• BENEFITS OF DNA BARCODING
• DNA barcoding can speed up identification of new
  species.
• DNA barcodes can be linked to readily observable
  morphological characters.
• DNA barcoding can provide an avenue to encourage
  new participants into taxonomy.
• Applied taxonomic research areas will benefit
  from barcoding.

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Barcode of Life - International Consortium
Initiative

• Vision
• Plan to launch a large-scale, collaborative
  program to build comprehensive barcode registry
  for eukaryotic life
• Initiator - Paul Hebert, University of Guelph,
  Ontario
• Targets
• Acquisition of DNA barcode records for 5M
  specimens
• representing 500K species
• Timeframe 5 Years
• Raise 150M
• Invitation
• Australia has been invited to join ICI

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ICI Funding Target (5 Years )
Total Funding 150M
Central Nodes gt 25M per node
Regional Nodes gt 5M per node
Developing Nodes gt 1M per node
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ICI is an alliance of researchers and
biodiversity organisations in 21 nations. All
nations active in specimen assembly, curation and
data analysis. Sequencing and informatics support
by regional and central nodes.
Central Nodes
Regional Nodes
Developing Nodes
Collection and Databasing
Curation and Identification
Sequencing
MirroredDatabases
Data Analysis and Access
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Examples of Current Australian Barcoding
ProjectsFauna
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Examples of Current Australian Barcoding
Projects Flora
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Australian Barcoding Regional Node

• to be called The Australian Barcode Network
• a decentralised model with a large network of
  barcode supporters, users and participants
• a Steering Committee will facilitate and support
  the barcoding network
• Website to be established as a key means of
  communication.

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Steering Committee

• Dr Les Christidis (Chair) Australian Museum,
  Sydney
• Dr Stephen Cameron CSIRO Entomology,
  Canberra
• Dr Joanne Daly CSIRO Agribusiness, Canberra
• Dr Dan Faith Australian Museum, Sydney
• Prof Andrew Lowe Adelaide Botanic Gardens/Univ.
  of Adelaide
• Dr Andrew Mitchell NSW Dept Primary Industries,
  Wagga Wagga
• Dr Janette Norman Museum Victoria,
  Melbourne
• Dr Bob Ward CSIRO Marine Atmospheric Research
• Dr Cameron Slatyer Aust Dept Environ Water
  Resources, Canberra
• Dr Brett Summerrell Botanic Gardens Trust,
  Sydney
• Dr Paul de Barro CSIRO Entomology,
  Queensland
• Secretary to Committee Australian Museum, Sydney
  
• Rebecca Hancock

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Links to International Initiatives

• CBOL Scientific Advisory Committee Paul de
  Barro, CSIRO Entomology - Australian
  representative
• CBOL fish barcoding Dr Bob Ward, CMAR - co-chair
  of with Paul Hebert
• Australian FISH-BOL Dr Bob Ward, CMAR Martin
  Gomon, Museum Victoria - co-chair
• CBOL All Birds Barcoding Initiative Dr Les
  Christidis, Australian Museum, Dr Janette
  Norman, Museum Victoria, Dr David Lambert,
  Massey University, NZ - co-regional coordinators
  
• CBOL Leading Lab network Australian Museum
• CBOL members
• - Plant Biodiversity Centre, Adelaide Botanical
  Gardens
• - CSIRO, Hobart
• - Australian Plant DNA Bank, Lismore
• - National Herbarium of Victoria at Royal
  Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
• - Australian Museum, Sydney
• - Macquarie University, Sydney

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Roles of the Steering Committee

• promoting barcoding for the benefit of Australia
• contribute to international initiatives where
  appropriate
• establishing Australian Barcode Network website
• informing the Network about barcoding
  initiatives, support, conferences etc
• providing advice on CBOL standards
• Workshops /training
• negotiating on behalf of barcoders
• providing a link for barcoders to government
  departments to wave the flag
• pursue funding opportunities.