A summary of Copepoda: synthesis, trends, and ecological impacts

Copepoda are one of the most significant animal groups present in aquatic ecosystems. Ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and biotechnologists continue to test new methods to study the application of Copepoda as model organisms in various fields of pure and applied science, from evolution and ecology to aquaculture as live feed, as biological control of mosquito larvae, as biological indicators of water and sediment quality, in environmental monitoring and as a source of protein in the food industry. This paper reviews the current progress and trends within copepod research from a number of different perspectives. We emphasize the importance of Copepoda and the necessity of strengthening research on various topics related to copepod biology, some of which are of great significance to local sustainable development.