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Systematics and biodiversity of deep-sea sponges of the Atlanto-Mediterranean region

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 September 2015

Joana R. Xavier*
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Centre for Geobiology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 53A, 5006 Bergen, Norway
Paco Cárdenas
Affiliation:
Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Division of Pharmacognosy, BioMedical Center, Husargatan 3, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
Javier Cristobo
Affiliation:
Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Gijón, Av./Príncipe de Asturias 70 bis, 33212 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
Rob Van Soest
Affiliation:
Naturalis Biodiversity Center, PO Box 9417, 2300RA Leiden, the Netherlands
Hans Tore Rapp
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Centre for Geobiology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 53A, 5006 Bergen, Norway
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: J.R. Xavier, Department of Biology, Centre for Geobiology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 53A, Postbox 7803, N-5020 Bergen, Norway email: joana.xavier@bio.uib

Abstract

Sponges are a key component of the deep-sea benthos, where they form structurally complex habitats and provide numerous ecosystem goods and services. However, there is still an enormous knowledge gap regarding the diversity, distribution and systematics of this group. This special volume presents the results of the 1st International Workshop on Taxonomy of Atlanto-Mediterranean Deep-Sea Sponges, whereby world experts worked together to start filling in this gap. Herein, new species are described, new sponge-dominated communities are reported, and diversity and distribution patterns are enlightened for this area.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2015 

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References

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