Marine Hard Bottom Communities : Patterns, Dynamics, Diversity, and Change

To conclude, these chapters have highlighted recent developments in these disparate habitats; they have also outlined some of the challenges we face in moving our field forward. In my view, these chapters underscore two important points and, although, my observations are not particularly novel, they are worth emphasising. First, there is the overarching importance of an experimental approach (sensu Hurlbert 1984) in seeking to better understand natural systems. Even the seemingly intractable deep sea offers possibilities in this regard. My second point is the power of using identical methodology to explore pattern and process in disparate locations. The application of both of these approaches to subtidal communities can only strengthen our field.