Addressing biodiversity shortfalls in meiofauna

摘要: Technological advances throughout different fields of research have enhanced our understanding biodiversity, especially for meiofaunal organisms, which are notoriously difficult to study because their small size. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy, together with confocal laser scanning has increased the amount external internal morphological information, improving quantity quality species descriptions, as well deepening evolutionary adaptations meiofauna. In ecology, characterization molecules such stable isotopes fatty acids permitted us infer trophic niches meiofauna species, enhancing functional role in ecosystem. parallel, DNA sequencing techniques allowed quantify much higher accuracy phylogenetic position species. We here review main biodiversity shortfalls studies meiofauna, discussing how could be addressed, by merging approaches. Important steps towards interdisciplinary approach promote data sharing, explore new technologies that combine disciplines, base on a clear theoretical framework. Working at interface between disciplines imposes several challenges will require creative approaches, but well-designed making use methodologies quickly contribute address