Taxonomy and ecology: A marriage of necessity

Rather than a marriage of convenience, which implies a relationship that is non-rigorous and has a substantial degree of independence, we argue that a s we move forward through the 21st Century, studies on the taxonomy and eco logy of freshwater diatoms will, and by necessity must, be linked. This lin kage will be forged by integrated research programs and facilitated by tool s that support both taxonomy and ecology. We examine the history of taxonom ic and ecological research with freshwater diatoms, and suggest the potenti al interplay and mutual support offered by these two disciplines. Future re search programs, including conservation of freshwater ecosystems, will requ ire a formal commitment of conceptual and practical issues for each of thes e areas of science.