THE RECENT STATE AND PROSPECTS OF STUDYING THE CLADOCERA (CRUSTACEA) PHYSIOLOGY
Despite the rather simplified morphology, Cladocera have a developed system of physiological processes and regulations. Living under dynamic and often extreme conditions of the aquatic environment, they successfully support homeostasis. Most physiological studies have been performed on planktonic daphnids. Data on the physiology of bottom-living species are scarce. Despite this situation, fragmentary data may produce a rather systematic body demonstrating specific distinctions of this group. Recently, the data on physiological processes under conditions of degrading environment have been obtained. Cladocera deserve a wide application as laboratory animals in various fields, including medical research.  Keywords: Cladocera, comparative physiology, physiological functions, environmental pollution, test organisms, laboratory animals