An introduction to the branchiopod crustaceans

摘要

The Branchiopods are a diverse and ancient class of crustaceans occurring in freshwaters, marine and (some genera) in hyper-saline environments. They include the Cladocera (or water fleas), fairy and brine shrimps, tadpole shrimps and clam shrimps. Morphologically heterogeneous, they are united by the structure of thoracic limbs which have flattened structures associated with respiration and swimming. An overview of the class is provided, including both extant and extinct orders, together with notes on their economic importance and the British fauna.