Voucher
Definition
A documented specimen linked to observations or reference data and available for appropriate checking. Retained, documented material can support identification and later review. Link it to the case, observations, analytical sampling and storage history.
- Context
- Reference material
For example, retaining labelled material can permit a later identification check even after another portion was sampled destructively for molecular analysis.
Keeping a voucher makes checking possible; it does not guarantee the original identification was correct. Destructive examination and limited material require planning.
Related terms
- Introgression
- Transfer of genetic material across population or species boundaries through hybridisation and subsequent breeding. Mitochondrial markers can therefore be shared despite other...
- Barcode
- A selected genetic region used for taxonomic comparison with appropriate references. A taxonomic result depends on marker performance, reference quality and the...
- 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...
- BOLD
- Barcode of Life Data Systems, a platform for barcode records and identification tools whose individual reference quality needs assessment. Examine the actual...
- COI (Cytochrome C Oxidase I)
- The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene; a portion is commonly used as an animal barcode but cannot resolve every species. A...
- Cytochrome B (Cyt B)
- A mitochondrial marker that can supplement particular analyses but does not provide independently inherited nuclear evidence. Cytochrome b is a mitochondrial gene...
- DNA Barcode
- A defined sequence region compared with references for taxonomic identification. COI is widely used for animals, while appropriate markers vary among organism...
- DNA Barcoding
- Use of a defined DNA region and suitable references to assess taxonomic identity, with taxon-specific limits. COI is widely used for animals,...
- Metabarcoding
- Sequencing a mixture of DNA from many organisms simultaneously and using bioinformatics to assign each read to a taxon. For plant eDNA,...
- Morphological Identification
- Identification from physical characters, which can be useful in immature, puparial and damaged material as well as adults. Appropriate keys and comparison...
- Percent Identity
- The percentage of matching positions within a specified sequence alignment, not the probability of a species identification. Interpret it with sequence length,...
- Species Complex
- Closely related taxa whose separation may require suitable additional diagnostic evidence. Appropriate additional characters or markers may improve resolution for particular groups....
Explained in these topics
- Molecular Identification of Forensically Important Insects
- Non-Human DNA and Species IdentificationAn authenticated specimen associated with reference information.