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SCIENTISTS embarked on a momentous project to "barcode" every species of life on Earth.
The aim is by 2010 to have a record of genetic sequences that uniquely identify every one of the estimated 10 million species of plants and animals.
Many extinct species may also be barcoded using DNA taken from museum collections.
The task of identifying and describing the vast array of known and unknown species on the planet is a daunting one, but vital to scientific research.
The overall project is being co-ordinated by the Consortium for the Barcode of Life (CBOL), which will bring together experts from fields such as taxonomy - the classification of living organisms - and information management.
Scott Miller, chairman of CBOL, said at a news conference at the Natural History Museum in London: "DNA barcoding will make a huge difference to our knowledge and understanding of the natural world. The Barcode of Life initiative aims to complement existing taxonomic practice to build on it and expand its power and use."
DNA barcodes will make species recognition in the field much easier, especially where traditional methods are not practical.
They will also give non-specialists an easy way to make identifications and provide access to detailed species information.
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