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Species identification is the process of determining the taxonomic identity of an organism. It is essential for biodiversity research, ecological monitoring, conservation planning, and forensic investigations. Traditional methods rely on morphological characteristics observed through microscopy, field guides, or dichotomous keys. These approaches are practical for many macroscopic taxa but can be limited by phenotypic plasticity, developmental stage, and intraspecific variation.

Molecular techniques have expanded the toolkit for species identification. DNA barcoding typically targets a short region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene in animals, or the nuclear ribosomal ITS region in plants and fungi. The resulting sequences are compared against reference databases such as BOLD or GenBank to assign species-level matches. Whole-genome sequencing and genomic markers (e.g., SNP panels) provide higher resolution for cryptic species complexes and hybrid detection.

Immunological assays, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and lateral flow tests, enable rapid species determinations in field or forensic settings, especially for trace materials like hair, blood, or bone. In ecological studies, stable isotope analysis can infer trophic relationships and habitat use, indirectly aiding species boundary delineation.

Integrative taxonomy combines multiple lines of evidence—morphology, DNA, ecology, and behavior—to produce robust species concepts. This approach mitigates pitfalls of relying on a single type of data and aligns with modern biodiversity assessment practices. Advances in sequencing technology, bioinformatics, and global data sharing continue to refine species identification methods and enhance our understanding of biological diversity.