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Analysis of DNA from natural history museum collections

  • Chapter
Molecular Ecology and Evolution: Approaches and Applications

Part of the book series: Experientia Supplementum ((EXS,volume 69))

Summary

Genetic data derived from museum collections have an important role in systematics, conservation biology, ecology and medicine. Technical advances in molecular biology are increasing the range of material in collections amenable to such analysis. While the very diversity of natural history collections sometimes makes generalisations difficult, classes of extraction procedures and precautions against contamination can be described. Destructive sampling of specimens for genetic studies raises a number of institutional issues, such as granting of permission to use particular specimens and the return of DNA to the museum housing the specimens. Molecular biology is seen as further enhancing the value of collections.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK

    R. H. Thomas

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  1. R. H. Thomas
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Zoologisches Institut, Universität Frankfurt, Siesmayerstr. 70, D-60054, Frankfurt, Germany

    B. Schierwater  & B. Streit  & 

  2. Department of Biology, Yale University, 165 Prospect St., New Haven, CT, 06511, USA

    G. P. Wagner

  3. Department of Entomology, American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street at Central Park West, New York, NY, 10024, USA

    R. DeSalle

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© 1994 Springer Basel AG

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Thomas, R.H. (1994). Analysis of DNA from natural history museum collections. In: Schierwater, B., Streit, B., Wagner, G.P., DeSalle, R. (eds) Molecular Ecology and Evolution: Approaches and Applications. Experientia Supplementum, vol 69. Birkhäuser, Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-7527-1_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-7527-1_19

  • Publisher Name: Birkhäuser, Basel

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-0348-7529-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-0348-7527-1

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