Polychaetology

Abstract

Polychaetes represent an immensely diverse taxonomic assemblage, encompassing approximately 12,000 species across 92 families. These organisms have a broad range of habitats, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and spanning terrestrial environments to the hadal depths of the oceans. Polychaetes are one of the most prevalent taxonomic groups in ecological studies, both in terms of biomass and species richness. Consequently, taxonomic research on polychaetes is pivotal as it forms the foundational basis for various studies. This paper aims to provide an overview of the taxonomy of polychaetes and the research conducted within Japan and to deliberate on the research objectives that warrant further exploration.