This is the first textbook to be devoted entirely to the biology of freshwater nematodes, and clearly identifies the scientific and practical importance of this largely neglected group of nematodes. For example, these nematodes provide a highly sensitive tool for identifying pollution. Freshwater nematodes are not new to science, with many species having been described during the 19th century, but until now little has been reported on their biology and ecology. This book presents an overview of the number and distribution of species, and the biomass and feeding types of nematodes in lakes, streams and rivers. The importance of nematodes in the benthic food web, the relationship of nematodes to bacteria, and other benthic organisms, are fully described and illustrated. Also, the numerous adaptations of freshwater nematodes to aquatic ecosystems, and the importance of processes in lakes such as sedimentation, productivity of algae, etc., in nematode ecology and life cycles are explained. Finally, the general morphology and anatomy of freshwater nematodes and typical representatives of the various groups, and the more important techniques and methods used for the study of these nematodes are described
Pensoft Series Parasitologica No 8
145x210