This session will delve into the pivotal role of DNA barcoding in elucidating species interactions that form the backbone of ecosystem structures. We will examine antagonistic relationships such as predation and parasitism, mutualistic relationships including seed dispersal and pollination, as well as neutral interactions like commensalism. By linking biodiversity inventories to functional roles within the environment, DNA barcoding offers profound insights through both direct observation and the analysis of trace materials, such as eDNA left on flowers by pollinators or tissue fragments in faeces. Since its inception, DNA barcoding has uncovered novel behaviors and unexpected ecological adaptability. Attendees will explore the latest technologies and research advancements in biotic interactions and community ecology, highlighting the transformative impact of DNA barcoding on our understanding of ecological dynamics.

 

Agenda

---

Biodiversity drivers in ponds across latitudinal and urbanization gradients using eDNA metabarcoding.

Presenter: Andrea Desiderato
Affiliation: Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz
Format: Full Talk

---

Dissecting earthworm diversity in tropical rainforests.

Presenter: Arnaud Goulpeau
Affiliation: Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive
Format: Full Talk

---

Using DNA barcoding to investigate the relationships between plants and arthropods across South Africa.

Presenter: Ross Stewart
Affiliation: Department of Biological & Agricultural Sciences, Sol Plaatje University
Format: Full Talk

---

DNA metabarcoding advances knowledge of insect diversity in Chinese potato agroecosystems.

Presenter: Chenxi Liu
Affiliation: Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Format: Full Talk

---

Littered with information - eDNA biodiversity studies enabled by leaf litter samples from Hawaiian montane wet forests

Presenter: Sven Weber
Affiliation: UC Berkeley
Format: Full Talk

---

Next generation biosecurity monitoring of invasive alien arthropod a pecies on Pacific Islands.

Presenter: Pritam Banerjee
Affiliation: Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California
Format: Full Talk

---

DNA barcoding from paw prints in snow: a new survey tool for assessing sex, identity and food items in threatened and elusive mammals with examples from polar bears, lynx and snow leopards.

Presenter: Micaela Hellstrom
Affiliation: MIX Research Sweden AB
Format: Full Talk

---

DNA metabarcoding of potential pollinators on different agricultural crops - who all helps the bees.

Presenter: Fedor Čiampor
Affiliation: Slovak Academy of Sciences, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Department of Biodiversity and Ecology, ZooLab
Format: Lightning Talk

---

Island area is as crucial as isolation in determining genetic differentiation in fragmented island butterflies.

Presenter: Claudia Bruschini
Affiliation: Università degli Studi di Firenze
Format: Lightning Talk

---

Anomalous latitudinal gradients in parasitoid wasp diversity - hotspots in regions with larger temperature range.

Presenter: Jessica Castellanos-Labarcena
Affiliation: Department of Integrative Biology- University of Guelph
Format: Lightning Talk

---