The promise of DNA barcoding for taxonomy.

Paul D.N. Hebert and T. Ryan Gregory

Systematic Biology 54: 852-859.  


Cover Illustration: The recent proposal to use short, standardized gene sequences as unique identifiers of species – known as DNA barcoding – has generated both strong support and vocal opposition in certain biological circles.  The potential impact of DNA barcoding as either a help or a hindrance to taxonomic research represents an especially polarizing point of contention.  A debate on the issue of DNA barcoding was held at the fifth biennial conference of the Partnerships for Enhancing Expertise in Taxonomy (PEET) in September of 2004 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  The debate was moderated by Vincent Smith, and involved Paul Hebert, the lead proponent of DNA barcoding, and Kipling Will, a vocal barcoding opponent.  As a follow-up to this debate, two contrasting position papers dealing with DNA barcoding are provided in this issue, moderated once again by a contribution from Smith.  On the pro-barcoding side, Hebert and Gregory outline what they consider the beneficial aspects of DNA barcoding for taxonomy and other biological disciplines, whereas Will et al. provide an opposing perspective in which they argue that DNA barcoding will be detrimental to taxonomic science.  Neither set of authors has been permitted to read the others’ contribution prior to publication.  Image © 2005 by T. Ryan Gregory.