In defence of invertebrate fossil taxonomy

Starting from a subjective viewpoint on the decreasing interest in invertebrate fossil taxonomy, this essay discusses its importance in palaeobiological studies exemplified with cases from the palaeobiogeography and palaeoecology of rugose corals, and aims at provoking a discussion on the topic. The possible causes of this negative declining trend include inherent problems of palaeontological taxonomy, and changing systems in science and higher education.