| Abstract Detail
Systematics Section Saarela, Jeffery M. [1], Gillespie, Lynn J. [1], Consaul, Laurie L. [1], Bull, Roger D. [1], Chouinard, Brianna N [2], Abraham, Paul [2], Starr, Julian R. [2]. DNA barcoding the vascular plant flora of the Canadian Arctic. Accurate identifications of Arctic plant species are critical for monitoring and understanding potential changes in their distributions and community assemblages in response to climate change. Following the recent consensus on the plastid genes rbcL and matK as ‘core’ markers for a multi-locus plant DNA barcode, we are moving forward with production of DNA barcode data for all of the vascular plant species of the Canadian Arctic, a large and (relatively) easily-defined eco-geographical region with a distinctive flora. So far, we have produced barcode data for some 500 individuals representing over 225 taxa. When considered at this regional level, most genera are consistently differentiated. Species-level discrimination varies dramatically among lineages. For example, DNA barcodes distinguish 95% of the sedge species (Carex, Kobresia) in the Arctic Archipelago, whereas we observe no plastid variation among Arctic species of Salix. Overall, DNA barcoding performs quite well for Arctic plants. A complete species-level database will no doubt facilitate future ecological and systematic research on the Arctic flora. Broader Impacts:
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1 - Canadian Museum of Nature, P.O. Box 3443, Station D, Ottawa, ON, K1P 6P4, Canada
2 - Canadian Museum of Nature / University of Ottawa, Research Division / Department of Biology, PO Box 3443 stn D / Gendron Hall, room 160, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 6P4 / K1N 6N5, Canada
Keywords:
DNA barcoding
flora
Arctic
climate change
Canada.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 17
Location: 551A/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 2:45 PM
Number: 17005
Abstract ID:85 |
