With six pages of full color plates, this volume assesses the impact of molecular tools on the taxonomy of algal groups. It discusses the extent to which these tools extend understanding of the immense algal diversity and revolutionize ideas of taxonomy and classification. Illustrating contrasting viewpoints, it highlights contemporary perspectives on algal evolution and the concept of classification, addresses systematics and taxonomy for virtually all algal groups ranging from microalgae to ultraplankton, explores the impact of genomics on algal systematics, and concludes with future directions for research.