BULLETIN OF THE

According to some, DNA sequences are already the de facto universal communication tool for taxonomic information, providing anchor points for data associated with biological specimens such as those preserved in Natural History Museums. Regardless of whether or not you can accept this controversial viewpoint, molecular techniques are increasingly employed in biodiversity research to establish the origins and taxonomy of organisms. Molecular techniques are undoubtedly invaluable for detecting the presence of hidden species diversity within cryptic species complexes. Most of the world’s major Natural History Museums have their own state-of-the-art biodiversity genomics laboratories (e.g. LA