A DNA-Based Registry for All Animal Species: The Barcode Index Number (BIN) System

Because many animal species are undescribed, and because the identification of known species is often difficult, interim taxonomic nomenclature has often been used in biodiversity analysis. By assigning individuals to presumptive species, called operational taxonomic units (OTUs), these systems speed investigations into the patterning of biodiversity and enable studies that would otherwise be impossible. Although OTUs have conventionally been separated through their morphological divergence, DNA-based delineations are not only feasible, but have important advantages. OTU designation can be automated, data can be readily archived, and results can be easily compared among investigations. This study exploits…

• GC
  Genome Canada
• OG
  Ontario Genomics
• GO
  Government of Canada
• OG
  Ontario Genomics Institute
• OM
  Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation
• MD
  Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico