Abstract
Functional feeding group (FFG) is an approach that classifies macroinvertebrates based on their utilization of organic matter food resources. Across streams and rivers, variations in the distribution of FFGs reflect the unequal distribution of food resources, which are affected by varying environmental conditions and disturbances to the ecosystem. In the tropics, the distribution of FFGs does not follow the pattern observed in temperate streams. This study aims to (1) determine the FFGs present in selected Philippine tropical streams, (2) assess the variations in FFG distributions and how the distributions vary across space, and (3) evaluate how FFG distributions are affected by certain environmental factors and habitat structure. Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected in 2010 from five sites and assigned to their primary FFG based on published literature. Across study sites, the macroinvertebrates collected were classified into gathering collectors (total n = 4,640), scrapers (n = 1,670), filtering collectors (n = 1,545), predators (n = 632), and shredders (n = 270). Within and between sites, these FFGs varied significantly. Variations explained the upstream-downstream and north-south variations in the mean of FFG abundance in width and depth of the stream, discharge, temperature, pH, riparian vegetation, and habitat stability and variability. This study reveals that the FFG approach is a useful bioassessment tool in tropical aquatic systems. However, there is still a need for verification of the findings in other streams and seasons.
Highlights
Bioassessment is a method of evaluating the current status of biological systems and their responses to certain environmental conditions (Reece & Richardson, 2000)
This study aims to (1) determine the various Functional feeding group (FFG) present in tropical streams in the Philippines, (2) assess how the distributions of these FFGs vary within sites from upstream to downstream and between sites from north to south, and (3) evaluate how environmental factors and habitat quality affect such variations
The macroinvertebrates collected from the five river systems were classified into the following functional feeding groups: gathering collectors, scrapers (n = 1,670), filtering collectors (n = 1,545), predators (n = 632), and shredders (n = 270)
Summary
Bioassessment (or Biomonitoring) is a method of evaluating the current status of biological systems and their responses to certain environmental conditions (Reece & Richardson, 2000). Some scientists prefer to use benthic macroinvertebrates in bioassessment (Reece & Richardson, 2000). Benthic macroinvertebrates continuously respond to short- and long-term disturbances of their habitat (Park et al, 2008), such as flooding, siltation brought about by deforestation (Stanford, 2006), agriculture effluents, and urban pollution (Compin & Céréghino, 2007). Their sedentary foraging, short life cycles, and preference for habitats around toxic sediments make benthic macroinvertebrates ideal candidates for bioassessment indicators (Reece & Richardson, 2000). Benthic macroinvertebrates are generally intermediate trophic level consumers and are indispensable in channeling trophic flow from the bottom-up and top-down directions (Wallace & Webster, 1996)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
