Project Details
Projekt
A MuseOMICS approach to scrutinise DNA barcode failure: testing the causes for taxonomic incongruence patterns in phytophagous Hymenoptera and Orthoptera through hybridization capture using RAD probes.
Applicants
Oliver Hawlitschek, Ph.D.; Dr. Stefan Schmidt
Subject Area
Systematics and Morphology (Zoology)
Bioinformatics and Theoretical Biology
Evolution, Anthropology
Bioinformatics and Theoretical Biology
Evolution, Anthropology
Term
from 2017 to 2021
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 351237598
DNA barcoding has been shown to be highly accurate for the identification of animal species, but some groups defy this approach. Numerous taxa particularly in the ecologically significant phytophagous Hymenoptera and Orthoptera exhibit incongruence between barcode data and traditional taxonomic concepts. Closely related species often form clusters sharing identical or very similar barcodes. Our extensive DNA barcode library and taxonomic expertise with access to reliably identified voucher specimens at the Zoologische Staatssammlung München provide an ideal basis for assessing the genetic structure of otherwise intractable species complexes. We use ddRAD and hyRAD genomic sequencing to obtain data on the phylogeny of taxa sharing mitochondrial barcodes and to investigate into the sharing of genomic elements by introgression or incomplete lineage sorting in these taxa. In a multidisciplinary approach we then combine this genomic data with data on morphology, host plants, biogeography, and population structure to determine which factors might be correlated with introgression. Based on our results, we will develop guidelines for the handling of taxa in which barcoding fails, first specifically for the international BOLD barcode database and second as general recommendations for best practice in biodiversity research.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
