Barcode
Definition
A selected genetic region used for taxonomic comparison with appropriate references. A taxonomic result depends on marker performance, reference quality and the material examined. A barcode gap concerns variation in a specified dataset, rather than a universal species boundary.
- Context
- Species identification
For example, a sequence can support a taxonomic assignment while leaving unresolved which individual animal or plant contributed the material.
The best reference match is not automatically the true species. Where resolution is limited, report the supported family, genus or complex instead of forcing a species name.
Related terms
- Barcode Gap
- A barcode gap is separation between observed within-taxon and between-taxon genetic variation for a specified marker and reference dataset. Its presence and...
- Introgression
- Transfer of genetic material across population or species boundaries through hybridisation and subsequent breeding. Mitochondrial markers can therefore be shared despite other...
- Metabarcoding
- Sequencing a mixture of DNA from many organisms simultaneously and using bioinformatics to assign each read to a taxon. For plant eDNA,...
- Voucher
- A documented specimen linked to observations or reference data and available for appropriate checking. Retained, documented material can support identification and later...