Barcoding Life: Classification of Insects

 

Linda J. Robinson & Lori H. Spindler

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2015, Volume 36

Abstract

Morphological and molecular techniques are complementary approaches for classifying organisms, each with their own merits and limitations. Students first classify an insect using a traditional taxonomic key based on comparative anatomy, which requires expertise, relies on examination of the adult stage of the life cycle and requires a whole, intact individual. Then students use a DNA barcoding technique, which requires little expertise, works for any life cycle stage, and does not require a whole intact individual. However, it is only useful for already-sequenced organisms. Students gain an appreciation of insect diversity using the two classification techniques.

Keywords:  PCR, DNA sequencing, taxonomic key, classification, insects, barcoding

University of Oregon (2014)