Moussab/ORKG-training-evaluation-set huggingface dataset:
Research field: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
Title: DNA barcoding of Northern Nearctic Muscidae (Diptera) reveals high correspondence between morphological and molecular species limits
Abstract: Abstract Background Various methods have been proposed to assign unknown specimens to known species using their DNA barcodes, while others have focused on using genetic divergence thresholds to estimate “species” diversity for a taxon, without a well-developed taxonomy and/or an extensive reference library of DNA barcodes. The major goals of the present work were to: a) conduct the largest species-level barcoding study of the Muscidae to date and characterize the range of genetic divergence values in the northern Nearctic fauna; b) evaluate the correspondence between morphospecies and barcode groupings defined using both clustering-based and threshold-based approaches; and c) use the reference library produced to address taxonomic issues. Results Our data set included 1114 individuals and their COI sequences (951 from Churchill, Manitoba), representing 160 morphologically-determined species from 25 genera, covering 89% of the known fauna of Churchill and 23% of the Nearctic fauna. Following an iterative process through which all specimens belonging to taxa with anomalous divergence values and/or monophyly issues were re-examined, identity was modified for 9 taxa, including the reinstatement of Phaonia luteva (Walker) stat. nov. as a species distinct from Phaonia errans (Meigen). In the post-reassessment data set, no distinct gap was found between maximum pairwise intraspecific distances (range 0.00-3.01%) and minimum interspecific distances (range: 0.77-11.33%). Nevertheless, using a clustering-based approach, all individuals within 98% of species grouped with their conspecifics with high (&gt;95%) bootstrap support; in contrast, a maximum species discrimination rate of 90% was obtained at the optimal threshold of 1.2%. DNA barcoding enabled the determination of females from 5 ambiguous species pairs and confirmed that 16 morphospecies were genetically distinct from named taxa. There were morphological differences among all distinct genetic clusters; thus, no cases of cryptic species were detected. Conclusions Our findings reveal the great utility of building a well-populated, species-level reference barcode database against which to compare unknowns. When such a library is unavailable, it is still possible to obtain a fairly accurate (within ~10%) rapid assessment of species richness based upon a barcode divergence threshold alone, but this approach is most accurate when the threshold is tuned to a particular taxon.
Extracted statement — nearest neighbor distance lower limit: 0.77
Research field: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
Title: Molecular identification of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in southeastern Australia
Abstract: Abstract DNA barcoding is a modern species identification technique that can be used to distinguish morphologically similar species, and is particularly useful when using small amounts of starting material from partial specimens or from immature stages. In order to use DNA barcoding in a surveillance program, a database containing mosquito barcode sequences is required. This study obtained Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) sequences for 113 morphologically identified specimens, representing 29 species, six tribes and 12 genera; 17 of these species have not been previously barcoded. Three of the 29 species ─ Culex palpalis, Macleaya macmillani, and an unknown species originally identified as Tripteroides atripes ─ were initially misidentified as they are difficult to separate morphologically, highlighting the utility of DNA barcoding. While most species grouped separately (reciprocally monophyletic), the Cx. pipiens subgroup could not be genetically separated using COI. The average conspecific and congeneric p‐distance was 0.8% and 7.6%, respectively. In our study, we also demonstrate the utility of DNA barcoding in distinguishing exotics from endemic mosquitoes by identifying a single intercepted Stegomyia aegypti egg at an international airport. The use of DNA barcoding dramatically reduced the identification time required compared with rearing specimens through to adults, thereby demonstrating the value of this technique in biosecurity surveillance. The DNA barcodes produced by this study have been uploaded to the ‘Mosquitoes of Australia–Victoria’ project on the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD), which will serve as a resource for the Victorian Arbovirus Disease Control Program and other national and international mosquito surveillance programs.
Extracted statement — Maximum intraspecific distances averaged: 0.8
Research field: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
Title: DNA barcode analysis of butterfly species from Pakistan points towards regional endemism
Abstract: DNA barcodes were obtained for 81 butterfly species belonging to 52 genera from sites in north‐central Pakistan to test the utility of barcoding for their identification and to gain a better understanding of regional barcode variation. These species represent 25% of the butterfly fauna of Pakistan and belong to five families, although the Nymphalidae were dominant, comprising 38% of the total specimens. Barcode analysis showed that maximum conspecific divergence was 1.6%, while there was 1.7–14.3% divergence from the nearest neighbour species. Barcode records for 55 species showed <2% sequence divergence to records in the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD), but only 26 of these cases involved specimens from neighbouring India and Central Asia. Analysis revealed that most species showed little incremental sequence variation when specimens from other regions were considered, but a threefold increase was noted in a few cases. There was a clear gap between maximum intraspecific and minimum nearest neighbour distance for all 81 species. Neighbour‐joining cluster analysis showed that members of each species formed a monophyletic cluster with strong bootstrap support. The barcode results revealed two provisional species that could not be clearly linked to known taxa, while 24 other species gained their first coverage. Future work should extend the barcode reference library to include all butterfly species from Pakistan as well as neighbouring countries to gain a better understanding of regional variation in barcode sequences in this topographically and climatically complex region.
Extracted statement — Maximum intraspecific distances upper limit: 1.6
Research field: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
Title: DNA barcode analysis of butterfly species from Pakistan points towards regional endemism
Abstract: DNA barcodes were obtained for 81 butterfly species belonging to 52 genera from sites in north‐central Pakistan to test the utility of barcoding for their identification and to gain a better understanding of regional barcode variation. These species represent 25% of the butterfly fauna of Pakistan and belong to five families, although the Nymphalidae were dominant, comprising 38% of the total specimens. Barcode analysis showed that maximum conspecific divergence was 1.6%, while there was 1.7–14.3% divergence from the nearest neighbour species. Barcode records for 55 species showed <2% sequence divergence to records in the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD), but only 26 of these cases involved specimens from neighbouring India and Central Asia. Analysis revealed that most species showed little incremental sequence variation when specimens from other regions were considered, but a threefold increase was noted in a few cases. There was a clear gap between maximum intraspecific and minimum nearest neighbour distance for all 81 species. Neighbour‐joining cluster analysis showed that members of each species formed a monophyletic cluster with strong bootstrap support. The barcode results revealed two provisional species that could not be clearly linked to known taxa, while 24 other species gained their first coverage. Future work should extend the barcode reference library to include all butterfly species from Pakistan as well as neighbouring countries to gain a better understanding of regional variation in barcode sequences in this topographically and climatically complex region.
Extracted statement — nearest neighbor distance lower limit: 1.7
Research field: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
Title: Analyzing Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Diversity in Pakistan by DNA Barcoding
Abstract: Background Although they are important disease vectors mosquito biodiversity in Pakistan is poorly known. Recent epidemics of dengue fever have revealed the need for more detailed understanding of the diversity and distributions of mosquito species in this region. DNA barcoding improves the accuracy of mosquito inventories because morphological differences between many species are subtle, leading to misidentifications. Methodology/Principal Findings Sequence variation in the barcode region of the mitochondrial COI gene was used to identify mosquito species, reveal genetic diversity, and map the distribution of the dengue-vector species in Pakistan. Analysis of 1684 mosquitoes from 491 sites in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during 2010–2013 revealed 32 species with the assemblage dominated by Culex quinquefasciatus (61% of the collection). The genus Aedes (Stegomyia) comprised 15% of the specimens, and was represented by six taxa with the two dengue vector species, Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti, dominant and broadly distributed. Anopheles made up another 6% of the catch with An. subpictus dominating. Barcode sequence divergence in conspecific specimens ranged from 0–2.4%, while congeneric species showed from 2.3–17.8% divergence. A global haplotype analysis of disease-vectors showed the presence of multiple haplotypes, although a single haplotype of each dengue-vector species was dominant in most countries. Geographic distribution of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus showed the later species was dominant and found in both rural and urban environments. Conclusions As the first DNA-based analysis of mosquitoes in Pakistan, this study has begun the construction of a barcode reference library for the mosquitoes of this region. Levels of genetic diversity varied among species. Because of its capacity to differentiate species, even those with subtle morphological differences, DNA barcoding aids accurate tracking of vector populations.
Extracted statement — nearest neighbor distance lower limit: 2.3
Research field: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
Title: Analyzing Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Diversity in Pakistan by DNA Barcoding
Abstract: Background Although they are important disease vectors mosquito biodiversity in Pakistan is poorly known. Recent epidemics of dengue fever have revealed the need for more detailed understanding of the diversity and distributions of mosquito species in this region. DNA barcoding improves the accuracy of mosquito inventories because morphological differences between many species are subtle, leading to misidentifications. Methodology/Principal Findings Sequence variation in the barcode region of the mitochondrial COI gene was used to identify mosquito species, reveal genetic diversity, and map the distribution of the dengue-vector species in Pakistan. Analysis of 1684 mosquitoes from 491 sites in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during 2010–2013 revealed 32 species with the assemblage dominated by Culex quinquefasciatus (61% of the collection). The genus Aedes (Stegomyia) comprised 15% of the specimens, and was represented by six taxa with the two dengue vector species, Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti, dominant and broadly distributed. Anopheles made up another 6% of the catch with An. subpictus dominating. Barcode sequence divergence in conspecific specimens ranged from 0–2.4%, while congeneric species showed from 2.3–17.8% divergence. A global haplotype analysis of disease-vectors showed the presence of multiple haplotypes, although a single haplotype of each dengue-vector species was dominant in most countries. Geographic distribution of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus showed the later species was dominant and found in both rural and urban environments. Conclusions As the first DNA-based analysis of mosquitoes in Pakistan, this study has begun the construction of a barcode reference library for the mosquitoes of this region. Levels of genetic diversity varied among species. Because of its capacity to differentiate species, even those with subtle morphological differences, DNA barcoding aids accurate tracking of vector populations.
Extracted statement — Maximum intraspecific distances upper limit: 2.4
Research field: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
Title: DNA barcodes reveal cryptic genetic diversity within the blackfly subgenus Trichodagmia Enderlein (Diptera: Simuliidae: Simulium) and related taxa in the New World
Abstract: <jats:p>In this paper we investigate the utility of the COI DNA barcoding region for species identification and for revealing hidden diversity within the subgenus Trichodagmia and related taxa in the New World. In total, 24 morphospecies within the current expanded taxonomic concept of Trichodagmia were analyzed. Three species in the subgenus Aspathia and 10 species in the subgenus Simulium s.str. were also included in the analysis because of their putative phylogenetic relationship with Trichodagmia. In the Neighbour Joining analysis tree (NJ) derived from the DNA barcodes most of the specimens grouped together according to species or species groups as recognized by other morphotaxonomic studies. The interspecific genetic divergence averaged 11.2% (range 2.8–19.5%), whereas intraspecific genetic divergence within morphologically distinct species averaged 0.5% (range 0–1.2%). Higher values of genetic divergence (3.2–3.7%) in species complexes suggest the presence of cryptic diversity. The existence of well defined groups within S. piperi, S. duodenicornium, S. canadense and S. rostratum indicate the possible presence of cryptic species within these taxa. Also, the suspected presence of a sibling species in S. tarsatum and S. paynei is supported. DNA barcodes also showed that specimens from species that were taxonomically difficult to delimit such as S. hippovorum, S. rubrithorax, S. paynei, and other related taxa (S. solarii), grouped together in the NJ analysis, confirming the validity of their species status. The recovery of partial barcodes from specimens in collections was time consuming and PCR success was low from specimens more than 10 years old. However, when a sequence was obtained, it provided good resolution for species identification. Larvae preserved in ‘weak’ Carnoy’s solution (9:1 ethanol:acetic acid) provided full DNA barcodes. Adding legs directly to the PCR mix from recently collected and preserved adults was an inexpensive, fast methodology to obtain full barcodes. In summary, DNA barcoding combined with a sound morphotaxonomic framework provides an effective approach for the delineation of species and for the discovery of hidden diversity in the subgenus Trichodagmia.</jats:p>
Extracted statement — nearest neighbor distance lower limit: 2.8
Research field: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
Title: Identification of Nearctic black flies using DNA barcodes (Diptera: Simuliidae)
Abstract: DNA barcoding has gained increased recognition as a molecular tool for species identification in various groups of organisms. In this preliminary study, we tested the efficacy of a 615‐bp fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) as a DNA barcode in the medically important family Simuliidae, or black flies. A total of 65 (25%) morphologically distinct species and sibling species in species complexes of the 255 recognized Nearctic black fly species were used to create a preliminary barcode profile for the family. Genetic divergence among congeners averaged 14.93% (range 2.83–15.33%), whereas intraspecific genetic divergence between morphologically distinct species averaged 0.72% (range 0–3.84%). DNA barcodes correctly identified nearly 100% of the morphologically distinct species (87% of the total sampled taxa), whereas in species complexes (13% of the sampled taxa) maximum values of divergence were comparatively higher (max. 4.58–6.5%), indicating cryptic diversity. The existence of sibling species in Prosimulium travisi and P. neomacropyga was also demonstrated, thus confirming previous cytological evidence about the existence of such cryptic diversity in these two taxa. We conclude that DNA barcoding is an effective method for species identification and discovery of cryptic diversity in black flies.
Extracted statement — nearest neighbor distance lower limit: 2.83
Research field: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
Title: DNA barcodes reveal cryptic genetic diversity within the blackfly subgenus Trichodagmia Enderlein (Diptera: Simuliidae: Simulium) and related taxa in the New World
Abstract: <jats:p>In this paper we investigate the utility of the COI DNA barcoding region for species identification and for revealing hidden diversity within the subgenus Trichodagmia and related taxa in the New World. In total, 24 morphospecies within the current expanded taxonomic concept of Trichodagmia were analyzed. Three species in the subgenus Aspathia and 10 species in the subgenus Simulium s.str. were also included in the analysis because of their putative phylogenetic relationship with Trichodagmia. In the Neighbour Joining analysis tree (NJ) derived from the DNA barcodes most of the specimens grouped together according to species or species groups as recognized by other morphotaxonomic studies. The interspecific genetic divergence averaged 11.2% (range 2.8–19.5%), whereas intraspecific genetic divergence within morphologically distinct species averaged 0.5% (range 0–1.2%). Higher values of genetic divergence (3.2–3.7%) in species complexes suggest the presence of cryptic diversity. The existence of well defined groups within S. piperi, S. duodenicornium, S. canadense and S. rostratum indicate the possible presence of cryptic species within these taxa. Also, the suspected presence of a sibling species in S. tarsatum and S. paynei is supported. DNA barcodes also showed that specimens from species that were taxonomically difficult to delimit such as S. hippovorum, S. rubrithorax, S. paynei, and other related taxa (S. solarii), grouped together in the NJ analysis, confirming the validity of their species status. The recovery of partial barcodes from specimens in collections was time consuming and PCR success was low from specimens more than 10 years old. However, when a sequence was obtained, it provided good resolution for species identification. Larvae preserved in ‘weak’ Carnoy’s solution (9:1 ethanol:acetic acid) provided full DNA barcodes. Adding legs directly to the PCR mix from recently collected and preserved adults was an inexpensive, fast methodology to obtain full barcodes. In summary, DNA barcoding combined with a sound morphotaxonomic framework provides an effective approach for the delineation of species and for the discovery of hidden diversity in the subgenus Trichodagmia.</jats:p>
Extracted statement — Maximum intraspecific distances upper limit: 3.7
Research field: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
Title: Identifying Canadian mosquito species through DNA barcodes
Abstract: Abstract A short fragment of mt DNA from the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (CO1) region was used to provide the first CO1 barcodes for 37 species of Canadian mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from the provinces Ontario and New Brunswick. Sequence variation was analysed in a 617‐bp fragment from the 5′ end of the CO1 region. Sequences of each mosquito species formed barcode clusters with tight cohesion that were usually clearly distinct from those of allied species. CO1 sequence divergences were, on average, nearly 20 times higher for congeneric species than for members of a species; divergences between congeneric species averaged 10.4% (range 0.2–17.2%), whereas those for conspecific individuals averaged 0.5% (range 0.0–3.9%).
Extracted statement — Maximum intraspecific distances upper limit: 3.9
Research field: Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
Title: DNA barcoding of Neotropical black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae): Species identification and discovery of cryptic diversity in Mesoamerica
Abstract: Although correct taxonomy is paramount for disease control programs and epidemiological studies, morphology-based taxonomy of black flies is extremely difficult. In the present study, the utility of a partial sequence of the COI gene, the DNA barcoding region, for the identification of species of black flies from Mesoamerica was assessed. A total of 32 morphospecies were analyzed, one belonging to the genus Gigantodax and 31 species to the genus Simulium and six of its subgenera (Aspathia, Eusimulium, Notolepria, Psaroniocompsa, Psilopelmia, Trichodagmia). The Neighbour Joining tree (NJ) derived from the DNA barcodes grouped most specimens according to species or species groups recognized by morphotaxonomic studies. Intraspecific sequence divergences within morphologically distinct species ranged from 0.07% to 1.65%, while higher divergences (2.05%-6.13%) in species complexes suggested the presence of cryptic diversity. The existence of well-defined groups within S. callidum (Dyar & Shannon), S. quadrivittatum Loew, and S. samboni Jennings revealed the likely inclusion of cryptic species within these taxa. In addition, the suspected presence of sibling species within S. paynei Vargas and S. tarsatum Macquart was supported. DNA barcodes also showed that specimens of species that are difficult to delimit morphologically such as S. callidum, S. pseudocallidum Díaz Nájera, S. travisi Vargas, Vargas & Ramírez-Pérez, relatives of the species complexes such as S. metallicum Bellardi s.l. (e.g., S. horacioi Okazawa & Onishi, S. jobbinsi Vargas, Martínez Palacios, Díaz Nájera, and S. puigi Vargas, Martínez Palacios & Díaz Nájera), and S. virgatum Coquillett complex (e.g., S. paynei and S. tarsatum) grouped together in the NJ analysis, suggesting they represent valid species. DNA barcoding combined with a sound morphotaxonomic framework provided an effective approach for the identification of medically important black flies species in Mesoamerica and for the discovery of hidden diversity within this group.
Extracted statement — Maximum intraspecific distances upper limit: 6.13