The research in taxonomy is crucial for any biological study. The importance of this field is even greater nowadays due to the rampant shortage (critical in many groups) of taxonomists able to reliably identify marine invertebrates. This research is associated with faunistic studies, that we perform mostly (but not exclusively) in the western mediterranean area. The establishment of the catalogue of species present in our study area is a necessary first step for studies on benthic systems. In particular, research in conservation issues (changes in faunistic composition, introductions…) requires a good knowledge of autochthonous species.

Nowadays research in taxonomy must combine both traditional (morphology, development…) and new (genetic markers) tools. With the application of molecular tools, the prevalence of cryptic species in many groups of marine invertebrates is becoming apparent.

Our group includes reputed specialists in taxonomy of ascidians, mollusks, echinoderms and meiofaunal groups (nematodes in particular).