Williams, Stephen L., 1948-Malone, Margaret E.Baylor University. Dept. of Museum Studies.2010-06-232017-04-072010-06-232017-04-072010-052010-06-23http://hdl.handle.net/2104/7939Includes bibliographical references (p. ).The specimens maintained in natural history collections worldwide represent a resource that must be protected. However, as traditional collections age and historical research methods are replaced with new research applications, the future use of traditional collections has been challenged. While DNA studies have used traditional collections, successful retrieval is not always guaranteed. As a result, specimens may be damaged through sampling, while research resources are misdirected. Clearly, both collections and researchers would benefit if research results could be guaranteed. By comparing actual specimens with actual DNA results, studies were conducted to determine possible conditions leading to the successful or unsuccessful acquisition of DNA. Of particular interest were conditions surrounding DNA procedures, specimen parts sampled, age of specimens, systematics, and history of preservation treatments. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations for further study are presented for the benefit of specimen collections and the researchers that use them.635214 bytes646923 bytesapplication/pdfapplication/pdfen-USBaylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.Museum specimens.DNA research.DNA analysis.Destructive sampling.Specimen stabilization.Specimen processing.Specimen storage.Specimen maintenance.ThesisWorldwide access