What is a "mudmap"?

Sponge mudmaps are shortened morphological descriptions which are used to assist with the identification of sponges.  Mudmaps contain information about features which are diagnostic for each taxon (data about the colour and shape of sponges and their internal anatomy (spicules, skeletal structure, fibre reticulations, etc.)) as well as biological observations and literature sources.  Mudmaps are not formal taxonomic descriptions, and are not intended to replace the role of published descriptions, but rather, are useful as quick reference guides for sponge taxonomists.  Mudmaps highlight the attributes of key characteristics which can be used for rapid identification.

Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith