results from molecular genetics that have revised the understanding of phylogenetic
relationships and, thus, taxonomy. Higher taxonomic categories within all subsets of
the eukaryotes have recently been subject to recurring revision, as data revealing their
phylogenetic relationships continue to accumulate. Stable systematics remain well
ahead in the future. Mostly we will use quite classical category names that should
remain recognizable, for example the usual names of zoological phyla. The
vocabulary transformation has cast clouds of uncertainty around terms such as
bacteria, protozoa, plant, and animal. We will only refer to multicellular, rooted,
autotrophic organisms, not including large algae, as “plants”. In common parlance,
animals are heterotrophs, eating plants, fungi, and other animals. For protists making
their living in that manner, we will sometimes use the word protozoa, meaning
“simple animals”, also “protozoan”. We are aware that those are not considered
taxonomic terms, but they are more direct than, say, “microheterotroph”. Some
protists function as both auto- and heterotrophs, that is as “mixotrophs”. We will use
that term when discussing their specific biology, but as they participate in community
photosynthesis or heterotrophy, they may be lumped with phytoplankton or protozoa.
We intend to use “bacteria” only for eubacteria and “archaea” for that group quite
recently recognized as profoundly distinct.
Conclusion
(^) There are more fundamental aspects of seawater chemistry and physics, of the layout
and motion of the oceans on the Earth, of “eco-math” that has roles in biological
oceanography, but the introduction here should be sufficient preparation for studying
the more interesting topics just ahead. The authors are excited to be getting on with it.
Enjoy the ride.