Molecular markers play an important role in estimating the
relatedness between the individuals by comparing the genotypes
at a number of polymorphic loci. Several types of molecular
markers are available but none of them can be regarded as
optimal for all applications. Most of the systematic and phylogenetic
studies have utilized approaches with mtDNA sequencing.
However, mtDNA phylogeny represents only the
geneology of a particular gene that is almost only maternally
inherited. Therefore additional markers targeting nuclear
DNA, such as RAPD, AFLP or microsatellites need to be used
for more accurate interpretation of population genetics, biodiversity,
phylogeny and forensics.