Genetic analyses of Sclerocactus

Recent advances in genetic data collection utilizing next-generation DNA sequencing technologies have the potential to greatly aid the taxonomic assessment of species of conservation concern, particularly species that have been difficult to describe using morphology alone. Accurate descriptions of units of biological diversity aided by genetic data are essential to directing limited conservation resources to species most in need. In these studies, we utilized double-digest Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) in order to better understand the biodiversity represented in the Genus Sclerocactus. The current work demonstrates the importance of having robust genetic datasets when planning conservation activities for species of concern.