Cryptic species as a window on diversity and conservation
The taxonomic challenge posed by cryptic species (two or more distinct species classified as a single species) has been recognized for nearly 300 years, but the advent of relatively inexpensive and rapid DNA sequencing has given biologists a new tool for detecting and differentiating morphologi...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | E-Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Science Direct
2006
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/3324/1/Cryptic%20species%20as%20a%20window%20on%20diversity%20and%20conservation.pdf http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/3324/ http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169534706003703 |
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| Institution: | Universiti Malaysia Sarawak |
| Language: | English |
| Summary: | The taxonomic challenge posed by cryptic species (two
or more distinct species classified as a single species)
has been recognized for nearly 300 years, but the advent
of relatively inexpensive and rapid DNA sequencing has
given biologists a new tool for detecting and differentiating
morphologically similar species. Here, we synthesize
the literature on cryptic and sibling species and
discuss trends in their discovery. However, a lack of
systematic studies leaves many questions open, such
as whether cryptic species are more common in particular
habitats, latitudes or taxonomic groups. The discovery
of cryptic species is likely to be non-random with
regard to taxon and biome and, hence, could have profound
implications for evolutionary theory, biogeography
and conservation planning. |
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