Dr Kathryn Hall

Hi Bowen, I have been watching your study with interest. I am not sure who is advising you, but you are not accurate here with what you are saying. BLAST searching IS quantifiable, and IS objective. It is done algorithmically by a computer - there is absolutely no subjectivity involved and the...more

Thanks for the question Dirk. The project focuses very specifically on looking at only one group of sponges from the Family Tetillidae. These are classified within a group called Spirophorina. The reason I have chosen to have such a narrow taxonomic focus is to invest in depth, rather than bre...more

Well done Alessandra! I hope there are lots of species too!!

John, thanks so much for your comments. I agree absolutely that the potential for microbiome sequencing is enormous in terms of building our capacity as taxonomists to rapidly identify species of sponges. Further, I believe it will enhance our understanding of what a "species" actually is. I am e...more

Thanks so much for your comments John. I agree absolutely that the potential for microbiome sequencing is enormous in terms of building our capacity as taxonomists to rapidly identify species of sponges. Further, I believe it will enhance our understanding of what a "species" actually is. I am ex...more

Thanks so much for your comments John. I agree absolutely that the potential for microbiome sequencing is enormous in terms of building our capacity as taxonomists to rapidly identify species of sponges. Further, I believe it will enhance our understanding of what a "species" actually is. I am...more