Barcoding Life: Classification of Insects

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2015, Volume 36

Linda J. Robinson & Lori H. Spindler

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)