Les eaux intérieures, leur vie, problèrnes qu'elles posent en régions tropicales

Inland waters have special interest in intertropical regions of the Biosphere due to the fact that they are irregularly distributed. In “wet” regions, rain and river waters are the main factors to living organisms. In “dry” regions, they are so scarse that they are the limiting factors for life. In wet regions, it is necessary to define what is called black, white, clear, subterranean and/or fossil waters, lakes, reservoirs,ponds, pools, rivers, streams, etc... An inventory of these is necessary. The aim of Hydrobioly is to consider life IN waters. Limnology is the study of life OF bodies of water considered as superorganisms living at the surface of the geosphere. Both are concerned with plants and animals which are important when looking for explanations of variability, causes of evolution, use of water, etc.. In tropical and temperate regions, abiotic factors are different. Moreoyer, poikilotherms and homeotherms react differently to time and external constraints. A lot of plants (including algae) and animals are harvested in tropical regions. Aquaculture is very important in such regions. In dry regions, the main problems are linked with temporary character of water presence and the fact that numerous species of insects are either vectors of animal (and man) diseases, or themselves are dangerous to human populations. Four kinds of problems are most important in tropical inland water research: inventory of species (so many are still unknown); biology of ecosystems considered as superorganisms; control, and use of these ecosystems. Examples are given of the necessity of a continuing inventory of species, considering the taxonomy problem of tropical crustacean components of zooplankton (Copepoda, Cladocera, Ostracoda). Considering Copepoda, an example is discussed considering it place in systematics, its role and its use in different ecosystems.