Search for a Presentation
B20 - Genetic Analysis of Alaskan Bees
Native bees are exceptional pollinators, but are facing a steep decline in populations.
B20 - Genetic Analysis of Alaskan Bees
Mentor: David Russell, Ph.D.
Native bees are exceptional pollinators, but are facing a steep decline in populations. Surveys are a common way to get a better understanding of a population and how to approach a conservation plan. However, this process can be extremely time-consuming, especially when having to identify specimens in the traditional taxonomic way. There are options to speed the process up, like using DNA to identify species from a bulk sample. This is typically much more efficient and accurate, but it is not without its challenges. Traditional methods of DNA analysis often require destroying a specimen in part or in whole to extract the DNA. However, not all circumstances allow for specimens to be destroyed, especially in museum settings or collections where extremely valuable and rare specimens are located. Non-destructive DNA analysis techniques are limited and often still rely on exposing a specimen to damaging buffer solutions or rough and extended handling, which increases the risk of damage. This study investigates a new option for non-destructive DNA extraction and analysis using environmental DNA techniques, with a varied set of primers (COI, COII, ND4). The new technique will rely on sampling the ambient alcohol in which insects were stored and extracting DNA from the solution rather than the specimen itself.