Study of free-living protozoa in Azerbaijan

The article provides data on the biological significance of two groups of free-living Protozoa: testate amoebae and free-living ciliates. Their importance and role in the main biological processes of production and destruction of organic matter in both water and soil ecosystems are indicated. A review of the knowledge of these two groups of Protozoa in Azerbaijan is given in chronological order, indicating the most important publications of the early authors as well as modern ones. A review of modern works on the ecology of free-living Protozoa was carried out, including practical importance for humans (The use of Protozoa as indicators of the organic pollution degree and in toxicological studies).