Abstract
Hyperspectral data encode information from electromagnetic radiation (i.e., color) of any object in the form of a spectral signature; these data can then be used to distinguish among materials or even map whole landscapes. Although hyperspectral data have been mostly used to study landscape ecology, floral diversity and many other applications in the natural sciences, we propose that spectral signatures can be used for rapid assessment of faunal biodiversity, akin to DNA barcoding and metabarcoding. We demonstrate that spectral signatures of individual, live fish specimens can accurately capture species and clade-level differences in fish coloration, specifically among piranhas and pacus (Family Serrasalmidae), fishes with a long history of taxonomic confusion. We analyzed 47 serrasalmid species and could distinguish spectra among different species and clades, with the method sensitive enough to document changes in fish coloration over ontogeny. Herbivorous pacu spectra were more like one another than they were to piranhas; however, our method also documented interspecific variation in pacus that corresponds to cryptic lineages. While spectra do not serve as an alternative to the collection of curated specimens, hyperspectral data of fishes in the field should help clarify which specimens might be unique or undescribed, complementing existing molecular and morphological techniques.
Highlights
Hyperspectral data encode information from electromagnetic radiation of any object in the form of a spectral signature; these data can be used to distinguish among materials or even map whole landscapes
Rapid identification of phenotypic diversity in the field gives biodiversity researchers the ability to streamline their collections and surveys, as well as brings assessment of phenotypic variation back to the forefront of systematics. Both traditional morphological taxonomy and molecular barcoding still require considerable benchwork: i.e., an intensively trained taxonomist who completes microscopy and meristics to identify phenotypic structures or a technician that performs PCR reactions and sequencing for barcoding. What if another method for rapid identification of polymorphism in natural populations existed? what if assessment of phenotypic polymorphism could be undertaken in the field while living organisms are held in person, rather than in a lab far away? We propose that hyperspectral assessment of live organisms, and the generation of spectral signatures for individual taxa can provide: (1) rapid assessment of phenotypic variability in the field, (2) discriminate organisms along meaningful categories like taxonomy or ontogeny, and (3) complement or even reconcile morphological taxonomy with molecular barcoding methods
The spectral signatures of fishes varied depending on where the probe was placed (Figs. 2, 3), as fish body shape varies greatly across clades[32]
Summary
Hyperspectral data encode information from electromagnetic radiation (i.e., color) of any object in the form of a spectral signature; these data can be used to distinguish among materials or even map whole landscapes. Rapid identification of phenotypic diversity in the field gives biodiversity researchers the ability to streamline their collections and surveys, as well as brings assessment of phenotypic variation back to the forefront of systematics Both traditional morphological taxonomy and molecular barcoding still require considerable benchwork: i.e., an intensively trained taxonomist who completes microscopy and meristics to identify phenotypic structures or a technician that performs PCR reactions and sequencing for barcoding. What if another method for rapid identification of polymorphism in natural populations existed? Like DNA barcoding, taxonomic spectroradiometry (i.e., spectral signatures) could ‘invert’ traditional taxonomy when used as a ‘taxonomic screening tool’ whereby predefined, spectrally distinctive groups are examined for trait variation according to what phenotypic characters morpho-taxonomists are interested in26
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
