DNA Barcodes: Are They Always Accurate?

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This heron is shown with its DNA barcode which provides biologists with information about its relationship to other animals. Credit: Biodiversity Institute of Ontario
This heron is shown with its "DNA barcode," which provides biologists with information about its relationship to other animals. Credit: Biodiversity Institute of Ontario
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(PhysOrg.com) -- DNA barcoding is a movement to catalog all life on earth by a simple standardized genetic tag, similar to stores labeling products with unique barcodes. The effort promises foolproof food inspection, improved border security and better defenses against disease-causing insects, among many other applications.


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