DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT Now a days, DNA barcoding using COI gene (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) has gained more attention, because of these barcodes validity and simplicity for identification of bird species has increased a lot. In present study, 650bp region of COI gene of two bird species, Chukar patridge (Alectoris chukar) and Sand patridge (Ammoperdix heyi) are sequenced. Total 6 birds (03 birds from each species) were selected. Each sample was aligned with its reference sequence of COI gene available on NCBI and every nucleotide position which did not align with reference sequence was studied to identify SNPs. Our results demonstrated that A. chukar formed a single cluster with Alectoris philbyi while Alectoris rufa and Alectoris melanocephala were a bit distant relatives of A. chukar. The study clearly suggesting efficacy and accuracy of DNA barcodes for molecular identification and characterization of species. Further, barcoding technique used for analysis of molecular diversity and genetic identification of partridges provide a valuable information about population structure, phylogenetic history, molecular conservation and species identification.