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Great Lakes DNA Barcode reference library: Mollusca, annelida, and minor phyla.
Citation:
Daniel, S., L. Burlakova, A. Karatayev, P. Hebert, M. Pfrender, D. Lodge, A. Trebitz, AND S. Westergaard. Great Lakes DNA Barcode reference library: Mollusca, annelida, and minor phyla. International Association of Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) Virtual Conference, Duluth, MN, May 17 - 21, 2021. https://doi.org/10.23645/epacomptox.14758083
Impact/Purpose:
In order to realize the potential for biological monitoring of zooplankton and benthic invertebrates via DNA metabarcoding, the taxonomic gaps in barcode reference libraries need to be filled in. Doing so requires collecting, taxonomically identifying, and then genetically sequencing the missing invertebrate species. This abstract describes the progress and lessons learned by a team of researchers funded to do this work under grants administered by EPA’s Great Lakes National Program Office with scientific oversight by EPA’s Office of Research and Development
Description:
In recent years there has been a push to use genetic information, particularly the relatively cheap and quick CO1 Barcode, to increase the scope of diversity surveys and detection of aquatic invasive species compared with traditional approaches. However, there are unforeseen issues with this quick method of identification that can have significant consequences. The Great Lakes Center at SUNY Buffalo State aims to expand the taxonomic coverage of The Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) DNA library and has assembled a collaborative team including leading barcoding and taxonomic experts for targeted taxa. By preliminary estimations, 70% Annelida, 34% Bivalvia, and 56% Gastropoda, and 70% minor phyla known from the Great Lakes lack barcodes. We identified nearly 1000 specimens that have been plated and sent in for genetic barcoding. This presentation will focus on difficulties in genetic barcoding, limitations, and suggestions moving forward for understudied phyla commonly found in the Great Lakes. Additionally, we will discuss progress made by our partners from Cornell and Notre Dame Universities, and recommendations for further research.
URLs/Downloads:
DOI: Great Lakes DNA Barcode reference library: Mollusca, annelida, and minor phyla.