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Brigham Young University


Study: DNA barcoding in danger of 'ringing up' wrong species

A new study from Brigham Young University warns that the current DNA barcoding technique may be inaccurately identifying species, leading to overestimation of species numbers. The technique relies on a universal genetic marker, but errors can occur when 'numts' (inactive genetic code) are misinterpreted as unique species.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2008