Genetic Resources

Genetic Resources (formerly Molecular Systematics Unit) facilitate the collection and analysis of molecular data from the Museum’s fauna collections, to expand knowledge of specimens and the diversity of life. 

Genetic Resources facilitate the collection and analysis of molecular data retrieved from the Museum’s fauna collections.  

The application of molecular techniques and tools, such as sequencing DNA, has become usual for institutions that are interested in understanding organisms, and their diversity, habitats, biology, ancestral connections, and species origins.  

Genetic Resources facility consists of a range of equipment for low and high throughput analyses, and a dedicated team of research, and laboratory staff. 

By extracting DNA from specimen tissue samples and carrying out molecular analyses, the unit aims to reconstruct the evolutionary history and broaden scientific understandings of Western Australian fauna, complementing and leveraging information from existing Museum collections. 

The unit works closely with Museum collection and research staff, other researchers, consulting agencies, and government services in a range of research and service activities.  

News and stories

Coral reefs in the Kimberley region of northwest Western Australia are home to substantially greater coral diversity than first thought a new Western Australian Museum study finds.

A new publication into the reef-building hard coral biodiversity of the Kimberley region has revealed the importance of the Kimberley region as a nationally significant reservoir of tropical coral biodiversity.

The study increases previous estimates of reef-building corals in the Kimberley to 438 species, about 20% higher than earlier estimates of coral diversity in the region.

Media release