Identifying Samples and their Sources: Case Studies and Lessons Learned Brook Milligan Conservation Genomics Laboratory Department of Biology New Mexico State University Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003 USA
[email protected] Development and Scaling of Innovative Technologies for Wood Identification February 28, 2017 © 2017 Brook Milligan, NMSU Identifying Samples and their Sources February 28, 2017 1 / 29 The questions we face What is its taxonomic identity? 5 Sample / ? ) Where did it come from? Case studies I Taxonomic identification via direct comparison with a database I Taxonomic identification via inference I Geographic origin identification via inference Lessons learned I Direct comparison is of limited usefulness I Inference is essential for taxonomic and geographic origin identification I These lessons apply to all identification methods, not just DNA © 2017 Brook Milligan, NMSU Identifying Samples and their Sources February 28, 2017 2 / 29 Traditional genetics: a cottage industy Oak Heaps of Individually sample / taxon-specific / selected / lab work markers © 2017 Brook Milligan, NMSU Identifying Samples and their Sources February 28, 2017 3 / 29 Traditional genetics: an inefficient cottage industry Oak Heaps of Individually sample / taxon-specific / selected / lab work markers Rosewood Heaps of Individually sample / taxon-specific / selected / lab work markers Maple Heaps of Individually sample / taxon-specific / selected / lab work markers © 2017 Brook Milligan, NMSU Identifying Samples and their Sources February 28, 2017 4 / 29 Traditional