Abstract
Aquatic macrophytes determine the physical structure of many microhabitats in water and strongly influence the distribution of various aquatic animals. In this study, we analyzed the main microhabitat characteristics that affected the spatial distribution of invertebrates in shallow wetlands of South Korea (Jangcheok Reservoir). Environmental variables, macrophyte biomass, and invertebrate groups were used to analyze invertebrate distribution using a self-organizing map (SOM). Thirteen invertebrate groups were mapped onto the SOM, and each group was compared with the distribution of environmental variables and macrophyte biomass. Based on a U-matrix, five clusters were categorized according to Euclidean distance on the SOM. Invertebrate groups were closely related to macrophyte biomass. In particular, Lymnaeidae, Physidae, Viviparidae, Ecnomidae, and Hydrophilidae were abundant in quadrats with a high cover of Paspalum distichum and Nelumbo nucifera. Bithyniidae and Coenagrionidae were strongly associated with Trapa japonica and Hydrocharis dubia, whereas Planorbidae, Corduliidae, and Hydrophilidae were abundant with a high cover of Typha orientalis. Similar habitat preferences were found in a survey of gastropod distribution on the surface of each macrophyte species. The results clearly indicated that invertebrate distribution clusters were related to the spatial distribution of aquatic macrophytes in a shallow wetland.
Highlights
The physical structure and heterogeneity of microhabitats in freshwater ecosystems clearly affect the distribution patterns and species diversity of biological communities [1,2]
The water surface is completely covered by various aquatic macrophytes from spring to autumn, and their spatial distribution differs from the shoreline to the center
To understand gastropod distribution in the microhabitats formed by aquatic macrophytes, we further investigated the density of gastropods attached to each macrophyte species in spring (May) and autumn (October)
Summary
The physical structure and heterogeneity of microhabitats in freshwater ecosystems clearly affect the distribution patterns and species diversity of biological communities [1,2]. Biological interactions, such as competition and predation, are strongly mediated by the habitat structure of microhabitats and play a crucial role in determining local biodiversity [3]. The presence of efficient microhabitats helps the survival and stable population growth of prey populations but can contribute to the continuous provision of food items for predators [7]. The efficiency of microhabitats is determined by the morphological characteristics (e.g., size or length) of animals or by their interactions with other species or communities. Complex or heterogeneous microhabitats can support higher abundance and diversity of animals because they form environmental mosaics where different structural characteristics coexist [7,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
