DNA barcoding of life: a classification of uses according to function and scale after ten years of development

Abstract

DNA barcoding technology provides molecular information, standard dataset platforms, and uni- versal technical regulations for modern biological research. We briefly review the history of DNA barcoding between 2003 and 2012, and classify DNA barcoding into three types of biological function: basic function (e.g., storing data, and identifying species), extending function (e.g., building phylogenies, serving specific subjects, and compiling biological atlas) and potential function (e.g., revealing cryptic species). We sort DNA barcoding studies at three levels: clade scale (e.g., familial and/or generic taxa), community scale (e.g., biotic communities in nature reserves and permanent forest dynamics plots), and regional scale (e.g., biodiversity hotpots). We further list ten major research programs proposed by the International Barcode of Life, which are related to DNA barcoding approaches from the prospective of systematics and taxonomy, biodiversity conservation, evolutionary ecology and phylogenetics, and the construction of digital platforms. We appreci- ate the huge capability of barcoding technology in the field of biological sciences, and also realize the chal- lenges of DNA barcoding utilizations in multidisciplinary studies and the essential to add more tests before