MtDNA barcoding invasive species

invasive species (amphibians)

As a consequence of increasing globalization, species can reach places that were previously inaccessible. Invasive species are considered to be one of the main threats to global biodiversity. They can threaten native species with extinction via predation, competition, infection and hybridization.

Supervisor

Ben Wielstra

Contact

ben.wielstra@naturalis.nl

Period and duration

To be discussed

Study and level

Biology, BSc.

Currently only BSc students studying Biology at Leiden University can apply for this project.

Objectives
and goals

It is not always obvious if a species is invasive or native. Species can be morphologically cryptic, meaning that invasive species may resemble threatened native ones. Also, historical data on species distribution are lacking, meaning it is unknown if species are native or invasive. It is crucial to get clarity on these matters before proper conservation action can be taken. Genetic data can provide a solution.

Methods, tasks
and approach

You will collect samples (buccal swabs) of individual amphibians from dubious populations in the Netherlands. You will extract DNA and conduct PCR amplification of a mitochondrial DNA fragment. You will analyze Sanger sequence data by comparing to a mtDNA database from the natural range. This allows you to determine: 1) to what species individuals belong and 2) where from the native range they derive. Any newly identified mtDNA haplotypes will be allocated to species with phylogenetic methods.

Student
requirements

Successfully completed the Evolutionary Biology 2 course (or equivalent).

Currently only BSc students studying Biology at Leiden University can apply for this project.