Register      Login
Invertebrate Systematics Invertebrate Systematics Society
Systematics, phylogeny and biogeography
RESEARCH ARTICLE

The importance of applying Standardised Integrative Taxonomy when describing marine benthic organisms and collecting ecological data

Cristina Gioia Di Camillo A C , Cinzia Gravili B , Doris De Vito B , Daniela Pica A , Stefano Piraino B , Stefania Puce A and Carlo Cerrano A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.

B Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali, Università del Salento, via Prov. le Lecce-Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy.

C Corresponding author. Email: c.dicamillo@univpm.it

Invertebrate Systematics 32(4) 794-802 https://doi.org/10.1071/IS17067
Submitted: 19 July 2017  Accepted: 8 March 2018   Published: 14 August 2018

Abstract

The decline of morphologically based taxonomy is mainly linked to increasing species redundancy, which probably contributed to a worldwide disinterest in taxonomy, and to a reduction of funding for systematic biology and for expertise training. The present trend in the study of biodiversity is integrated taxonomy, which merges morphological and molecular approaches. At the same time, in many cases new molecular techniques have eclipsed the morphological approach. The application of Standardised Integrative Taxonomy, i.e. a rigorous, common method of description based on the integration between ecological and morphological characteristics, may increase the precision, accessibility, exploitability and longevity of the collected data, and favour the renaissance of taxonomy by new investments in biodiversity exploration.

Additional keywords: Darwin core, dataset, ecology, georeferencing, sessile benthos, standardised descriptions.


References

Acuña, F. H., Ricci, L., and Excoffon, A. C. (2011). Statistical relationships of cnidocyst sizes in the sea anemone Oulactis muscosa (Actiniaria: Actiniidae). Belgian Journal of Zoology 141, 32–37.

Ali, T. S. (2014). Spatial and temporal variations of marine benthic in-fauna community in northern and southern areas of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research 32, 80–92.

Anderson, G. (2014). Endangered: a study of morphological drawing in zoological taxonomy. Leonardo 47, 232–240.
Endangered: a study of morphological drawing in zoological taxonomy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Aswani, S., and Lauer, M. (2006). Incorporating fishermen’s local knowledge and behavior into Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for designing Marine Protected Areas in Oceania. Human Organization 65, 81–102.
Incorporating fishermen’s local knowledge and behavior into Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for designing Marine Protected Areas in Oceania.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bertolino, M., Cerrano, C., Bavestrello, G., Carella, M., Pansini, M., and Calcinai, B. (2013). Diversity of Porifera in the Mediterranean coralligenous accretions, with description of a new species. ZooKeys 336, 1–37.
Diversity of Porifera in the Mediterranean coralligenous accretions, with description of a new species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Billheimer, D., Cardoso, T., Freeman, E., Guttorp, P., Ko, H. W., and Silkey, M. (1997). Natural variability of benthic species composition in the Delaware Bay. Environmental and Ecological Statistics 4, 95–115.
Natural variability of benthic species composition in the Delaware Bay.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Blaxter, M. L. (2004). The promise of DNA taxonomy. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences 359, 669–679.
The promise of DNA taxonomy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Boero, F. (1994). Fluctuations and variations in coastal marine environments. Marine Ecology (Berlin) 15, 3–25.
Fluctuations and variations in coastal marine environments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Boero, F. (2001). Light after dark: the partnership for enhancing expertise in taxonomy. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 16, 266.
Light after dark: the partnership for enhancing expertise in taxonomy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Boero, F. (2010). The study of species in the era of biodiversity: a tale of stupidity. Diversity (Basel) 2, 115–126.
The study of species in the era of biodiversity: a tale of stupidity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Boero, F., and Bernardi, G. (2014). Phenotypic vs genotypic approaches to biodiversity, from conflict to alliance. Marine Genomics 17, 63–64.
Phenotypic vs genotypic approaches to biodiversity, from conflict to alliance.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bouillon, J., Medel, M. D., Pagès, F., Gili, J. M., Boero, F., and Gravili, C. (2004). Fauna of the Mediterranean Hydrozoa. Scientia Marina 68, 5–438.
Fauna of the Mediterranean Hydrozoa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bourmaud, C., and Gravier-Bonnet, N. (2004). Medusoid release and spawning of Macrorynchia philippina Kirchenpauer, 1872 (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Aglaopheniidae). Hydrobiologia 530–531, 365–372.
Medusoid release and spawning of Macrorynchia philippina Kirchenpauer, 1872 (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Aglaopheniidae).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Breman, J. (2002). ‘Marine Geography: GIS for the Oceans and Seas.’ (ESRI, Inc.: Redlands, CA.)

Cain, A. J. (1954). ‘Animal Species and Their Evolution.’ (Harper and Row: New York.)

Camargo, A., and Sites, J. W. Jr (2013). Species delimitation: a decade after the renaissance. In ‘The Species Problem – Ongoing Issues’. (Ed. I. Pavlinov.) Available at: https://www.intechopen.com/books/the-species-problem-ongoing-issues/species-delimitation-a-decade-after-the- renaissance.

Carballo, J. L., Naranjo, S. A., and García-Gómez, J. C. (1996). Use of marine sponges as stress indicators in marine ecosystems at Algeciras Bay (southern Iberian Peninsula). Marine Ecology Progress Series 135, 109–122.
Use of marine sponges as stress indicators in marine ecosystems at Algeciras Bay (southern Iberian Peninsula).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chimenz Gusso, C., Nicoletti, L., and Bondanese, C. (2014). Briozoi. Biologia Marina Mediterranea 20, 330 pp.

Coleman, C. O. (2006). Substituting time-consuming pencil drawings in arthropod taxonomy using stacks of digital photographs. Zootaxa 1360, 61–68.

Cornelius, P. F. (1995). North-west European thecate hydroids and their medusae. Part 1 and 2. In ‘Synopses of the British Fauna’. (Eds R. S. K. Barnes and J. H. Crothers.) pp. 1-347–1-386000. (Field Studies Council: UK.)

Costello, M. J., May, R. M., and Stork, N. E. (2013). Can we name Earth’s species before they go extinct? Science 339, 413–416.
Can we name Earth’s species before they go extinct?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Curatolo, T., Calvaruso, C., and Galil, B. S. Curatolo, T., Calvaruso, C., and Galil, B. S. (2013). Geometric morphometry supports a taxonomic revision of the Mediterranean Bathyporeia guilliamsoniana (Spence Bate, 1857) (Amphipoda, Bathyporeiidae). Crustaceana 86, 820–828.
Geometric morphometry supports a taxonomic revision of the Mediterranean Bathyporeia guilliamsoniana (Spence Bate, 1857) (Amphipoda, Bathyporeiidae).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dayrat, B. (2005). Towards integrative taxonomy. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. Linnean Society of London 85, 407–415.
Towards integrative taxonomy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

De Broyer, C., and Danis, B. (2011). How many species in the Southern Ocean? Towards a dynamic inventory of the Antarctic marine species. Deep-sea Research. Part II, Topical Studies in Oceanography 58, 5–17.
How many species in the Southern Ocean? Towards a dynamic inventory of the Antarctic marine species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

de Guimaraens, M. A., and Coutinho, R. (1996). Spatial and temporal variation of benthic marine algae at the Cabo Frio upwelling region, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Aquatic Botany 52, 283–299.
Spatial and temporal variation of benthic marine algae at the Cabo Frio upwelling region, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dean, H. K. (2008). The use of polychaetes (Annelida) as indicator species of marine pollution: a review. Revista de Biología Tropical 56, 11–38.

Di Camillo, C. G., and Cerrano, C. (2015). Mass mortality events in the NW Adriatic Sea: phase shift from slow- to fast-growing organisms. PLoS One 10, e0126689.
Mass mortality events in the NW Adriatic Sea: phase shift from slow- to fast-growing organisms.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Di Camillo, C. G., Bo, M., Betti, F., Martinelli, M., Puce, S., Vasapollo, C., and Bavestrello, G. (2012a). Population dynamics of Eudendrium racemosum (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) from the north Adriatic Sea. Marine Biology 159, 1593–1609.
Population dynamics of Eudendrium racemosum (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) from the north Adriatic Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Di Camillo, C. G., Coppari, M., Bartolucci, I., Bo, M., Betti, F., Bertolino, M., Calcinai, B., Cerrano, C., De Grandis, G., and Bavestrello, G. (2012b). Temporal variations in growth and reproduction of Tedania anhelans and Chondrosia reniformis in the north Adriatic Sea. Hydrobiologia 687, 299–313.
Temporal variations in growth and reproduction of Tedania anhelans and Chondrosia reniformis in the north Adriatic Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Di Camillo, C. G., Luna, G. M., Bo, M., Giordano, G., Corinaldesi, C., and Bavestrello, G. (2012c). Biodiversity of prokaryotic communities associated with the ectoderm of Ectopleura crocea (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa). PLoS One 7, e39926.
Biodiversity of prokaryotic communities associated with the ectoderm of Ectopleura crocea (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Di Camillo, C. G., Boero, F., Gravili, C., Previati, M., Torsani, F., and Cerrano, C. (2013). Distribution, ecology and morphology of Lytocarpia myriophyllum (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa), a Mediterranean Sea habitat former to protect. Biodiversity and Conservation 22, 773–787.
Distribution, ecology and morphology of Lytocarpia myriophyllum (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa), a Mediterranean Sea habitat former to protect.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Di Camillo, C. G., Ponti, M., Bavestrello, G., Krzelj, M., and Cerrano, C. (2018). Building a baseline for habitat-forming corals by a multi-source approach, including Web Ecological Knowledge. Biodiversity and Conservation 27, 1257–1276.

Dunn, C. P. (2003). Keeping taxonomy based in morphology. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 18, 270–271.
Keeping taxonomy based in morphology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ebach, M. C., Valdecasas, A. G., and Wheeler, Q. D. (2011). Impediments to taxonomy and users of taxonomy: accessibility and impact evaluation. Cladistics 27, 550–557.
Impediments to taxonomy and users of taxonomy: accessibility and impact evaluation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Egloff, W., Agosti, D., Patterson, D., Hoffmann, A., Mietchen, D., Kishor, P., and Penev, L. (2016). Data policy recommendations for biodiversity data. EU BON Project Report. Research Ideas and Outcomes 2, e8458.
Data policy recommendations for biodiversity data. EU BON Project Report.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ehrlich, H. (2010). ‘Biological Materials of Marine Origin.’ (Springer: New York.)

Evenhuis, N. L. (2007). Helping solve the “other” taxonomic impediment: completing the eight steps to total enlightenment and taxonomic nirvana. Zootaxa 1407, 3–12.

Fajardo, J., Lessmann, J., Bonaccorso, E., Devenish, C., and Muñoz, J. (2014). Combined use of systematic conservation planning, species distribution modelling, and connectivity analysis reveals severe conservation gaps in a megadiverse country (Peru). PLoS One 9, e114367.
Combined use of systematic conservation planning, species distribution modelling, and connectivity analysis reveals severe conservation gaps in a megadiverse country (Peru).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fautin, D. G. (2009). Structural diversity, systematics, and evolution of cnidae. Toxicon 54, 1054–1064.
Structural diversity, systematics, and evolution of cnidae.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Garrabou, J. (1998). Applying a Geographical Information System (GIS) to the study of the growth of benthic clonal organisms. Marine Ecology Progress Series 173, 227–235.
Applying a Geographical Information System (GIS) to the study of the growth of benthic clonal organisms.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Garrabou, J., and Zabala, M. (2001). Growth dynamics in four Mediterranean Demosponges. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 52, 293–303.
Growth dynamics in four Mediterranean Demosponges.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gaston, K. J., and O’Neill, M. A. (2004). Automated species identification: why not? Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences 359, 655–667.
Automated species identification: why not?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Giangrande, A. (2003). Biodiversity, conservation, and the ‘Taxonomic impediment’. Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 13, 451–459.

Gili, J. M., and Hughes, R. G. (1995). The ecology of marine benthic hydroids. Oceanography and Marine Biology 33, 351–426.

Gravier-Bonnet, N. (2004). Hydroid nematophores: morphological, structural, and behavioural variety from old knowledge and new data. Hydrobiologia 530-531, 199–208.
Hydroid nematophores: morphological, structural, and behavioural variety from old knowledge and new data.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gravili, C., and Boero, F. (2014). A bioregionalization of the genus Halecium (Hydrozoa, Haleciidae): sentinel taxon of the global warming? Thalassia Salentina 36, 128.

Gravili, C., De Vito, D., Di Camillo, C.G., Martell, L., Piraino, S., and Boero, F. (2015). The non-siphonophoran Hydrozoa (Cnidaria) of Salento, an illustrated guide. Zootaxa 3908, 001–187.

Green, D. W., Lai, W.-F., and Jung, H.-S. (2014). Evolving marine biomimetics for regenerative dentistry. Marine Drugs 12, 2877–2912.
Evolving marine biomimetics for regenerative dentistry.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hayes, M. (Ed.) (2011). ‘Marine Bioactive Compounds. Sources, Characterization and Applications.’ (Springer Science and Business Media: US.)

Heink, U., and Kowarik, I. (2010). What are indicators? On the definition of indicators in ecology and environmental planning. Ecological Indicators 10, 584–593.
What are indicators? On the definition of indicators in ecology and environmental planning.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hewitt, G. M., Johnston, A. W., and Young, J. P. W. (Eds) (2013). ‘Molecular Techniques in Taxonomy.’ (Springer Science and Business Media: US.)

   (a) ICN (2012). ‘International Code of Nomenclature for Algae Fungi and Plants (Melbourne code). Regnum Vegetabile’. (Konigstein: Koeltz Scientific Books: Germany.)

   (b) ICZN (1999). ‘International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.’ 4th edn. (International Trust for Zoological Nomenclature: London.)

Krell, F. T., and Wheeler, Q. D. (2014). Specimen collection: plan for the future. Science 344, 815–816.
Specimen collection: plan for the future.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Larson, P. G., and Daly, M. (2015). ‘Putting names with faces’: a description of Epiactis handi sp. nov. helps to resolve taxonomic confusion in species of the sea anemone Epiactis (Actiniaria, Actiniidae). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 95, 913–928.
‘Putting names with faces’: a description of Epiactis handi sp. nov. helps to resolve taxonomic confusion in species of the sea anemone Epiactis (Actiniaria, Actiniidae).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Leray, M., and Knowlton, N. (2015). DNA barcoding and metabarcoding of standardized samples reveal patterns of marine benthic diversity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 112, 2076–2081.
DNA barcoding and metabarcoding of standardized samples reveal patterns of marine benthic diversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lerner, N. (2007). Drawing to learn science: legacies of Agassiz. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication 37, 379–394.
Drawing to learn science: legacies of Agassiz.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lipscomb, D., Platnick, N., and Wheeler, Q. (2003). The intellectual content of taxonomy: a comment on DNA taxonomy. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 18, 65–66.
The intellectual content of taxonomy: a comment on DNA taxonomy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lobban, C. S., and Pennesi, C. (2014). Two new Mastogloia species (Bacillariophyceae), M. parlibellioides and M. lyra, from coral reefs in Guam, western Pacific. Botanica Marina 57, 41–54.
Two new Mastogloia species (Bacillariophyceae), M. parlibellioides and M. lyra, from coral reefs in Guam, western Pacific.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mace, G. M. (2004). The role of taxonomy in species conservation. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences 359, 711–719.
The role of taxonomy in species conservation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Maldonado, M., and Riesgo, A. (2009). Gametogenesis, embryogenesis, and larval features of the oviparous sponge Petrosia ficiformis (Haplosclerida, Demospongiae). Marine Biology 156, 2181–2197.
Gametogenesis, embryogenesis, and larval features of the oviparous sponge Petrosia ficiformis (Haplosclerida, Demospongiae).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Marchini, A., Galil, B. S., and Occhipinti-Ambrogi, A. (2015). Recommendations on standardizing lists of marine alien species: lessons from the Mediterranean Sea. Marine Pollution Bulletin 101, 267–273.
Recommendations on standardizing lists of marine alien species: lessons from the Mediterranean Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Margules, C. R., and Pressey, R. L. (2000). Systematic conservation planning. Nature 405, 243–253.
Systematic conservation planning.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Martin, D., Marin, I., and Britayev, T. A. (2008). Features of the first known association between Syllidae (Annelida, Polychaeta) and crustaceans. Organisms, Diversity & Evolution 8, 279–281.
Features of the first known association between Syllidae (Annelida, Polychaeta) and crustaceans.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Matsuyama, K., Titschack, J., Baum, D., and Freiwald, A. (2015). Two new species of erect Bryozoa (Gymnolaemata: Cheilostomata) and the application of non-destructive imaging methods for quantitative taxonomy. Zootaxa 4020, 81–100.
Two new species of erect Bryozoa (Gymnolaemata: Cheilostomata) and the application of non-destructive imaging methods for quantitative taxonomy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mayer, L. A. (2006). Frontiers in seafloor mapping and visualization. Marine Geophysical Researches 27, 7–17.
Frontiers in seafloor mapping and visualization.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mergner, H. (1987). Hydroids as indicator species of environmental factors on coral reefs. In ‘Modern Trends in the Systematics, Ecology and Evolution of Hydroids and Hydromedusae’. (Eds J. Bouillon, F. Boero, F. Cicogna and P. F. S. Cornelius.) pp. 185–195. (Clarendon Press: Oxford.)

Milanowski, D. J., Gustafson, K. R., Rashid, M. A., Pannell, L. K., McMahon, J. B., and Boyd, M. R. (2004). Gymnangiamide, a cytotoxic pentapeptide from the marine hydroid Gymnangium regae. The Journal of Organic Chemistry 69, 3036–3042.
Gymnangiamide, a cytotoxic pentapeptide from the marine hydroid Gymnangium regae.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Miller, S. E. (2007). DNA barcoding and the renaissance of taxonomy. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 104, 4775–4776.
DNA barcoding and the renaissance of taxonomy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Morton, J. E. (1950). Collecting and preserving zoological specimens. Tuatara 3, 3.

Muricy, G., Lopes, D.A., Hajdu, E., Carvalho, M.S., Moraes, F.C., Klautau, M., Menegola, C., Pinheiro, U. (2011). ‘Catalogue of Brazilian Porifera.’ Série Livros no. 46. (Museu Nacional: Rio de Janeiro.)

Narendran, T. C. (2008). Importance of taxonomy. In ‘Conservation of Biodiversity. Wild Life Biodiversity Conservation’. (Ed. M. V. Reddy.) pp. 14–19. (Daya Publishing House: Delhi.)

Nguyen, C. V., Lovell, D. R., Adcock, M., and La Salle, J. (2014). Capturing natural-colour 3D models of insects for species discovery and diagnostics. PLoS One 9, e94346.
Capturing natural-colour 3D models of insects for species discovery and diagnostics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Nonaka, M., Nakamura, M., Tsukahara, M., and Reimer, J. D. (2012). Histological examination of precious corals from the Ryukyu Archipelago. Journal of Marine Biology 2012, 1.
Histological examination of precious corals from the Ryukyu Archipelago.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Oliveira, O. M., Marques, A. C., and Migotto, A. E. (2000). Morphometric patterns of two fouling Eudendrium spp. (Hydrozoa, Anthomedusae, Eudendriidae) from São Sebastião (SP, SE Brazil). Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology 43, 519–526.
Morphometric patterns of two fouling Eudendrium spp. (Hydrozoa, Anthomedusae, Eudendriidae) from São Sebastião (SP, SE Brazil).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Östman, C. (2000). A guideline to nematocyst nomenclature and classification, and some notes on the systematic value of nematocysts. Scientia Marina 64, 31–46.
A guideline to nematocyst nomenclature and classification, and some notes on the systematic value of nematocysts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Padial, J. M., and De la Riva, I. (2007). Taxonomy, the Cinderella of science, hidden by its evolutionary stepsister. Zootaxa 1577, 1–2.

Padilla, D. K., and Savedo, M. M. (2013). A systematic review of phenotypic plasticity in marine invertebrate and plant systems. Advances in Marine Biology 65, 67–94.
A systematic review of phenotypic plasticity in marine invertebrate and plant systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pearse, J. S. (2003). The promise of integrative biology: resurrection of the naturalist. Integrative and Comparative Biology 43, 276–277.
The promise of integrative biology: resurrection of the naturalist.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pearson, D. L., Hamilton, A. L., and Erwin, T. L. (2011). Recovery plan for the endangered taxonomy profession. Bioscience 61, 58–63.
Recovery plan for the endangered taxonomy profession.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Penev, L., Mietchen, D., Chavan, V., Hagedorn, G., Remsen, D., Smith, V., and Shotton, D. (2011). Pensoft data publishing policies and guidelines for biodiversity data. Pensoft Publishers. Available at: http://www.pensoft.net/J_FILES/Pensoft_Data_Publishing_Policies_and_Guidelines.pdf

Pinheiro, U., Nicacio, G., and Muricy, G. (2015). An example of the importance of labels and fieldbooks in scientific collections: a freshwater sponge misunderstood for a marine new genus and species. Zootaxa 3974, 447–450.
An example of the importance of labels and fieldbooks in scientific collections: a freshwater sponge misunderstood for a marine new genus and species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Piraino, S., Fanelli, G., and Boero, F. (2002). Variability of species’ roles in marine communities: change of paradigms for conservation priorities. Marine Biology 140, 1067–1074.
Variability of species’ roles in marine communities: change of paradigms for conservation priorities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pires, A. C., and Marinoni, L. (2010). DNA barcoding and traditional taxonomy unified through Integrative Taxonomy: a view that challenges the debate questioning both methodologies. Biota Neotropica 10, 339–346.
DNA barcoding and traditional taxonomy unified through Integrative Taxonomy: a view that challenges the debate questioning both methodologies.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Piroddi, C., Teixeira, H., Lynam, C. P., Smith, C., Alvarez, M. C., Mazik, K., Andonegi, E., Churilova, T., Tedesco, L., Chifflet, M., Chust, G., Galparsoro, I., Garcia, A. C., Kämäri, M., Kryvenko, O., Lassalle, G., Neville, S., Niquil, N., Papadopoulou, N., Rossberg, A. G., Suslin, V., and Uyarra, M. C. (2015). Using ecological models to assess ecosystem status in support of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Ecological Indicators 58, 175–191.
Using ecological models to assess ecosystem status in support of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Postaire, B., Magalon, H., Bourmaud, C. A.-F., Gravier-Bonnet, N., and Bruggemann, J. H. (2016). Phylogenetic relationships within Aglaopheniidae (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) reveal unexpected generic diversity. Zoologica Scripta 45, 103–114.
Phylogenetic relationships within Aglaopheniidae (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) reveal unexpected generic diversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Prudkovsky, A. A., and Neretina, T. V. (2016). The life cycle of Catablema vesicarium (A. Agassiz, 1862) (Hydrozoa, Pandeidae). Polar Biology 39, 533–542.
The life cycle of Catablema vesicarium (A. Agassiz, 1862) (Hydrozoa, Pandeidae).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Puce, S., Bavestrello, G., Di Camillo, C.G., and Boero, F. (2009). Long-term changes in hydroid (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) assemblages: effect of Mediterranean warming? Marine Ecology 30, 313–326.

Puce, S., Pica, D., Mancini, L., Brun, F., Peverelli, A., and Bavestrello, G. (2011). Three-dimensional analysis of the canal network of an Indonesian Stylaster (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Stylasteridae) by means of X-ray computed microtomography. Zoomorphology 130, 85–95.
Three-dimensional analysis of the canal network of an Indonesian Stylaster (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Stylasteridae) by means of X-ray computed microtomography.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Reimer, J., and Fujii, T. (2010). Four new species and one new genus of zoanthids (Cnidaria, Hexacorallia) from the Galápagos Islands. ZooKeys 42, 1–36.
Four new species and one new genus of zoanthids (Cnidaria, Hexacorallia) from the Galápagos Islands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Reiss, H., and Kröncke, I. (2005). Seasonal variability of benthic indices, an approach to test the applicability of different indices for ecosystem quality assessment. Marine Pollution Bulletin 50, 1490–1499.
Seasonal variability of benthic indices, an approach to test the applicability of different indices for ecosystem quality assessment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rindi, F., Soler-Vila, A., and Guiry, M. D. (2012). Taxonomy of marine macroalgae used as sources of bioactive compounds. In ‘Marine Bioactive Compounds’. (Ed. M. Hayes.) pp. 1–53. (Springer: Boston.)

Rouhan, G., and Gaudeul, M. (2014). Plant taxonomy, a historical perspective, current challenges, and perspectives. Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.) 1115, 1–37.
Plant taxonomy, a historical perspective, current challenges, and perspectives.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ryland, J. S., Brasseur, M. M., and Lancaster, J. E. (2004). Use of cnidae in taxonomy: implications from a study of Acrozoanthus australiae (Hexacorallia, Zoanthidea). Journal of Natural History 38, 1193–1223.
Use of cnidae in taxonomy: implications from a study of Acrozoanthus australiae (Hexacorallia, Zoanthidea).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sacristán-Soriano, O., Banaigs, B., and Becerro, M. A. (2012). Temporal trends in the secondary metabolite production of the sponge Aplysina aerophoba. Marine Drugs 10, 677–693.
Temporal trends in the secondary metabolite production of the sponge Aplysina aerophoba.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sagarin, R., and Pauchard, A. (2009). Observational approaches in ecology open new ground in a changing world. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 8, 379–386.
Observational approaches in ecology open new ground in a changing world.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Salazar, M. A., and Brooks, W. R. (2012). Morphology, distribution and comparative functional morphology of setae on the carapace of the Florida speck claw decorator crab Microphrys bicornutus (Decapoda, Brachyura). Journal of Marine Science: Research & Development 02, 1–8.
Morphology, distribution and comparative functional morphology of setae on the carapace of the Florida speck claw decorator crab Microphrys bicornutus (Decapoda, Brachyura).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

San Martín, G., and Aguado, M. T. (2012). Contribution of scanning electron microscope to the study of morphology, biology, reproduction, and phylogeny of the family Syllidae (Polychaeta). In ‘Scanning Electron Microscopy’. (Ed. V. Kazmiruk.) pp. 129-146. (InTech: Rijeka, Croatia.) Available at: https://www.intechopen.com/books/scanning-electron-microscopy/contribution-of-scanning-electron-microscope-to-the-study- of-morphology-biology-reproduction-and-phy.

Schlick-Steiner, B. C., Steiner, F. M., Seifert, B., Stauffer, C., Christian, E., and Crozier, R. H. (2010). Integrative taxonomy: a multisource approach to exploring biodiversity. Annual Review of Entomology 55, 421–438.
Integrative taxonomy: a multisource approach to exploring biodiversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sites, J. W., and Marshall, J. C. (2003). Delimiting species: a renaissance issue in systematic biology. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 18, 462–470.
Delimiting species: a renaissance issue in systematic biology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tahseen, Q. (2014). Taxonomy – the crucial yet misunderstood and disregarded tool for studying biodiversity. Journal of Biodiversity & Endangered Species 02, 128.
Taxonomy – the crucial yet misunderstood and disregarded tool for studying biodiversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tarnowska, K., Wolowicz, M., Chenuil, A., and Feral, J. P. (2009). Comparative studies on the morphometry and physiology of European populations of the lagoon specialist Cerastoderma glaucum (Bivalvia). Oceanologia 51, 437–458.
Comparative studies on the morphometry and physiology of European populations of the lagoon specialist Cerastoderma glaucum (Bivalvia).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tazioli, S., and Di Camillo, C. G. (2013). Ecological and morphological characteristics of Ephelota gemmipara (Ciliophora, Suctoria), epibiontic on Eudendrium racemosum (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) from the Adriatic Sea. European Journal of Protistology 49, 590–599.
Ecological and morphological characteristics of Ephelota gemmipara (Ciliophora, Suctoria), epibiontic on Eudendrium racemosum (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) from the Adriatic Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Válka Alves, R. J., and Machado, M. D. (2007). Is classical taxonomy obsolete? Taxon 56, 287–288.

Wake, M. H. (2003). What is “integrative biology”? Integrative and Comparative Biology 43, 239–241.
What is “integrative biology”?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wake, M. H. (2008). Integrative biology: science for the 21st century. Bioscience 58, 349–353.
Integrative biology: science for the 21st century.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Walters, M., and Scholes, R. J. (Eds) (2017). ‘The GEO Handbook on Biodiversity Observation Networks.’ (Springer International Publishing.)

Wieczorek, J., Bloom, D., Guralnick, R., Blum, S., Döring, M., Giovanni, R., Robertson, T., and Vieglais, D. (2012). Darwin Core: an evolving community-developed biodiversity data standard. PLoS One 7, e29715.
Darwin Core: an evolving community-developed biodiversity data standard.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wiens, J. J. (2007). Species delimitation: new approaches for discovering diversity. Systematic Biology 56, 875–878.
Species delimitation: new approaches for discovering diversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Will, K. W., Mishler, B. D., and Wheeler, Q. D. (2005). The perils of DNA barcoding and the need for integrative taxonomy. Systematic Biology 54, 844–851.
The perils of DNA barcoding and the need for integrative taxonomy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wilson, K. H. (1995). Molecular biology as a tool for taxonomy. Clinical Infectious Diseases 20, S117–S121.
Molecular biology as a tool for taxonomy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wilson, E. O. (2004). Taxonomy as a fundamental discipline. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences 359, 738–739.
Taxonomy as a fundamental discipline.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wilson-Sanders, S. E. (2011). Invertebrate models for biomedical research, testing, and education. ILAR Journal 52, 126–152.
Invertebrate models for biomedical research, testing, and education.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Winston, J. E. (1999). ‘Describing Species, Practical Taxonomic Procedure for Biologists.’ (Columbia University Press.)

Yeates, D. K., Seago, A., Nelson, L., Cameron, S. L., Joseph, L. E. O., and Trueman, J. W. (2011). Integrative taxonomy, or iterative taxonomy? Systematic Entomology 36, 209–217.
Integrative taxonomy, or iterative taxonomy?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Younes, I., and Rinaudo, M. (2015). Chitin and chitosan preparation from marine sources. Structure, properties and applications. Marine Drugs 13, 1133–1174.
Chitin and chitosan preparation from marine sources. Structure, properties and applications.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zelditch, M. L., Swiderski, D. L., Sheets, H. D., and Fink, W. L. (2004). ‘Geometric Morphometrics for Biologists: a Primer.’ (Elsevier Academic Press: New York and London.)

Zettler, M. L., Proffitt, C. E., Darr, A., Degraer, S., Devriese, L., Greathead, C., Kotta, J., Magni, P., Martin, G., Reiss, H., Speybroeck, J., Tagliapietra, D., Van Hoey, G., and Ysebaert, T. (2013). On the myths of indicator species: issues and further consideration in the use of static concepts for ecological applications. PLoS One 8, e78219.
On the myths of indicator species: issues and further consideration in the use of static concepts for ecological applications.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zharikov, Y., Skilleter, G. A., Loneragan, N. R., Taranto, T., and Cameron, B. E. (2005). Mapping and characterising subtropical estuarine landscapes using aerial photography and GIS for potential application in wildlife conservation and management. Biological Conservation 125, 87–100.
Mapping and characterising subtropical estuarine landscapes using aerial photography and GIS for potential application in wildlife conservation and management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |