Consortium for the Barcode of Life
Encyclopedia
Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBOL) runs the International Barcode of Life project, a collaborative effort which aims to use DNA barcoding
to generate a unique genetic barcode for every species of life on earth. The iBOL calls its online, open-access database of every single living thing on earth the "largest biodiversity
genomics
initiative ever undertaken".
The science behind the Consortium's initiative has met with considerable controversy, with responses ranging from enthusiastic endorsement to strident rejection. The extent to which barcoding can complement existing taxonomic
methods in cataloguing the planet's biodiversity
is debated. Tracking animal products to enforce laws regarding selling and trade of certain species has however been a compelling argument. In effect, the value of the project to law enforcement
justifies it whether or not is is ever of value to science.
Advocates argue that http://www.treehugger.com/gadgets/5-briliant-ways-technology-is-saving-endangered-species.html barcoding the DNA of animals across the globe could protect them from illegal poaching or over-hunting. The International Barcode of Life project, by assigning a barcode to each individual species' unique DNA, lets anyone with a special scanner read it to know exactly what species they're dealing with. For instance, in a fish-mongers' stall one could watch what food vs. endangered species were being caught and sold. Or a wild animal quickly identified to help to determine the distribution of an endangered species
Over 87,000 species have been barcoded already in over 25 countries. By the end of the first phase in 2015, over half a million species will be part of the Barcode of Life Data System.
project for Earth
's 1.8 million known species (from tiny genetic material). David Schindel, a Smithsonian Institution
paleontologist, executive secretary of the Consortium for the Barcode of Life stated that it will create a global reference library: "a kind of telephone directory for all species." 30,000 species
had been put in the database to reach 500,000, 5 years. The consortium
is sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution
's Museum of Natural History
. The 2003 research paper of geneticist
Paul Hebert of University of Guelph
, Ontario
proposed a database of DNA barcodes identifying all species.
DNA barcoding
DNA barcoding is a taxonomic method that uses a short genetic marker in an organism's DNA to identify it as belonging to a particular species. It differs from molecular phylogeny in that the main goal is not to determine classification but to identify an unknown sample in terms of a known...
to generate a unique genetic barcode for every species of life on earth. The iBOL calls its online, open-access database of every single living thing on earth the "largest biodiversity
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or an entire planet. Biodiversity is a measure of the health of ecosystems. Biodiversity is in part a function of climate. In terrestrial habitats, tropical regions are typically rich whereas polar regions...
genomics
Genomics
Genomics is a discipline in genetics concerning the study of the genomes of organisms. The field includes intensive efforts to determine the entire DNA sequence of organisms and fine-scale genetic mapping efforts. The field also includes studies of intragenomic phenomena such as heterosis,...
initiative ever undertaken".
The science behind the Consortium's initiative has met with considerable controversy, with responses ranging from enthusiastic endorsement to strident rejection. The extent to which barcoding can complement existing taxonomic
Taxonomy
Taxonomy is the science of identifying and naming species, and arranging them into a classification. The field of taxonomy, sometimes referred to as "biological taxonomy", revolves around the description and use of taxonomic units, known as taxa...
methods in cataloguing the planet's biodiversity
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or an entire planet. Biodiversity is a measure of the health of ecosystems. Biodiversity is in part a function of climate. In terrestrial habitats, tropical regions are typically rich whereas polar regions...
is debated. Tracking animal products to enforce laws regarding selling and trade of certain species has however been a compelling argument. In effect, the value of the project to law enforcement
Law enforcement
Law enforcement broadly refers to any system by which some members of society act in an organized manner to promote adherence to the law by discovering and punishing persons who violate the rules and norms governing that society...
justifies it whether or not is is ever of value to science.
Advocates argue that http://www.treehugger.com/gadgets/5-briliant-ways-technology-is-saving-endangered-species.html barcoding the DNA of animals across the globe could protect them from illegal poaching or over-hunting. The International Barcode of Life project, by assigning a barcode to each individual species' unique DNA, lets anyone with a special scanner read it to know exactly what species they're dealing with. For instance, in a fish-mongers' stall one could watch what food vs. endangered species were being caught and sold. Or a wild animal quickly identified to help to determine the distribution of an endangered species
Over 87,000 species have been barcoded already in over 25 countries. By the end of the first phase in 2015, over half a million species will be part of the Barcode of Life Data System.
Telephone directory of earth's species
On September 14, 2007, a team of scientists (50 countries) initiated a global databaseDatabase
A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality , in a way that supports processes requiring this information...
project for Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
's 1.8 million known species (from tiny genetic material). David Schindel, a Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
paleontologist, executive secretary of the Consortium for the Barcode of Life stated that it will create a global reference library: "a kind of telephone directory for all species." 30,000 species
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
had been put in the database to reach 500,000, 5 years. The consortium
Consortium
A consortium is an association of two or more individuals, companies, organizations or governments with the objective of participating in a common activity or pooling their resources for achieving a common goal....
is sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
's Museum of Natural History
Museum of Natural History
A museum of natural history is a museum with exhibits about natural history, including such topics as animals, plants, ecosystems, geology, paleontology, and climatology. Some museums feature natural-history collections in addition to other collections, such as ones related to history, art and...
. The 2003 research paper of geneticist
Geneticist
A geneticist is a biologist who studies genetics, the science of genes, heredity, and variation of organisms. A geneticist can be employed as a researcher or lecturer. Some geneticists perform experiments and analyze data to interpret the inheritance of skills. A geneticist is also a Consultant or...
Paul Hebert of University of Guelph
University of Guelph
The University of Guelph, also known as U of G, is a comprehensive public research university in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1964 after the amalgamation of Ontario Agricultural College, the Macdonald Institute, and the Ontario Veterinary College...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
proposed a database of DNA barcodes identifying all species.