Sponges of the North East Atlantic - World Biodiversity Database CD-ROM Series

Very few, if any, sponges have a constant form, colour and size. Macroscopic details are a very unreliable data set for identification, although experienced spongologists are usually able to recognise species on sight/touch/smell. Taxonomy and classification are based on very small details of the skeleton and thus for a reliable identification it is absolutely imperative to make microscope slide preparations of the skeleton and spicules.

For a full treatment of preparation procedures see the Introduction module, topics 'Spicule preparations' and 'Thick sections'. The Expert Center for Taxonomic Identification (ETI) is a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) in operational relation with UNESCO, dedicated to the production of scientific and educational computer software for the preservation of knowledge concerning the worlds plants and animals. ETI is supported by The Netherlands Government, the University of Amsterdam, UNESCO, and other international organisations.

It cooperates with major scientific institutes around the world.