Species Complex
Definition
A group of closely related species that are nearly identical in morphology but behaviourally or ecologically distinct. Molecular methods are often the only way to separate them, and incorrect identification within a complex can shift a PMI estimate by hours.
Related terms
- BOLD
- Barcode of Life Data System, an international curated database linking COI sequences to verified voucher specimens with collection locality and taxonomic annotation....
- COI (Cytochrome C Oxidase I)
- A mitochondrial gene encoding subunit I of the respiratory enzyme cytochrome c oxidase. Its intermediate evolutionary rate makes it the primary barcode...
- Cytochrome B (Cytb)
- A protein-coding gene in the mitochondrial genome used widely for vertebrate species identification. Its moderate mutation rate resolves most closely related species...
- DNA Barcoding
- Species identification using a short, standardised region of the mitochondrial genome. For animals, the primary barcode marker is a 648-base-pair segment of...
- Morphological Identification
- Species determination based on external or internal physical features. Reliable and cheap for adults and many late-instar larvae, but fails on early...
Explained in
- Molecular Identification of Forensically Important InsectsA group of closely related species that are nearly identical in morphology but behaviourally or ecologically distinct. Molecular methods are often the only way...