The Expanding Role of DNA Barcodes: Indispensable Tools for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation

DNA barcoding has transformed the fields of ecology, evolution, and conservation by providing a rapid and effective tool for species identification. The growth of DNA barcodes as a resource for biologists has followed advances in computational and sequencing technology that have enabled high-throughput barcoding applications. The global DNA barcode database is expanding to represent the diversity of species on Earth thanks to efforts by international consortia and expanding biological collections. Today, DNA barcoding is instrumental in advancing our understanding of how species evolve, how they interact, and how we can slow down their extirpation and extinction. This review focuses on current applications of DNA barcode sequences to address fundamental lines of research, as well as new and expanding applications of which DNA barcoding will play a central role.

Automated summary

DNA barcoding is a transformative technology that has revolutionized the fields of ecology, evolution, and conservation by providing a rapid and effective tool for species identification. It has become a valuable resource for biologists, thanks to advancements in computational and sequencing technology. Efforts by international consortia and expanding biological collections have contributed to the expansion of the global DNA barcode database, representing the diversity of species on Earth. DNA barcoding plays a central role in advancing our understanding of species evolution, interactions, and conservation efforts.