My apologies if it sounded harsh, I read it and a "go look it up on Wikipedia" type concept flashed in my head. > But DNA extraction doesn't require deep knowl

My apologies if it sounded harsh, I read it and a "go look it up on Wikipedia" type concept flashed in my head. > But DNA extraction doesn't require deep knowledge about the species. The act of extraction doesn't, but interpretation of the results does. So to does actually knowing where to get the specimens in the first place. So to does building up experience knowing where to look, how to collect, building up a feeling for the diversity and variation in the group you study. Without these tools in hand all the images, sequences, and assays etc. in the world will a) cost you way more than anyone wants to pay and b) will have you floundering around in a giant pool of dirt-common species that are well known rather than pulling that series of uncommon and ultra-rare specimens and making a contribution that really extends our knowledge. It takes years to know where to focus precious time, this isn't peculiar to taxonomy.