Sponge identifications are primarily based on morphology. Some of these morphological characters vary substantially between widely separated populations, or those living in different habitats, whereas other features are much more consistent between individuals. Organic and inorganic skeleton of a sponge are usually the primary characters used for identification. Therefore most sponges cannot be identified with confidence without extensive and time consuming work in the laboratory. Documenting and describing biodiversity is a long, time consuming process that requires accuracy and patience, but it is an essential prerequisite to conservation and management of our marine resources.
Good taxonomy underpins every other branch of biological and biochemical science.
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