Status and perspective of sponge chemosystematics

In addition to their pharmaceutical applications, sponges are an important source of compounds that are used to elucidate classification patterns and phylogenetic relationships. Here we present a review and outlook on chemosystematics in sponges in seven sections: Secondary metabolites in sponges; Further applications of bioactive compound research in sponges; Sponge chemotaxonomy; Pitfalls of sponge chemotaxonomy; The chemotaxonomic suitability of sponge compounds; Potential synapomorphic markers in sponges; and The future of sponge chemotaxonomy.