Molecular technologies for biodiversity evaluation: Opportunities and challenges

Better information on the degree and distribution of genetic variation is essential for developing more efficient ways of evaluating and conserving biodiversity. At present, an array of molecular techniques is available to detect diversity at the DNA level', but the application of these techniques-so that they provide useful information and not simply data-depends critically on the analysis method employed (see "Analytical tools for molecular data"). In general, questions of genetic diversity can be addressed at the species, population, and within-population levels'.