
When fully developed, a COI identification system will provide a reliable, cost–effective and accessible solution to the current problem of species identification.

A model COI profile, based upon the analysis of a single individual from each of 200 closely allied species of lepidopterans, was 100% successful in correctly identifying subsequent specimens.

Second, we demonstrate that species–level assignments can be obtained by creating comprehensive COI profiles. First, we demonstrate that COI profiles, derived from the low–density sampling of higher taxonomic categories, ordinarily assign newly analysed taxa to the appropriate phylum or order. We establish that the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) can serve as the core of a global bioidentification system for animals. We are convinced that the sole prospect for a sustainable identification capability lies in the construction of systems that employ DNA sequences as taxon ‘barcodes’.

Although much biological research depends upon species diagnoses, taxonomic expertise is collapsing.
