Abundance Of Benthic Invertebrates Research Articles

Trophic Structure in Southern Ontario Streams

We examined biomass and abundance of organisms at the nonpiscivorous fish, benthic invertebrate predator and nonpredator, and microcommunity trophic levels at 30 stream sites in southern Ontario to test the food limitation, predation, and habitat limitation hypotheses of regulation of trophic structure. The presence of piscivorous fish at seven sites allowed us to contrast the predictions to the "bottom—up" (food limitation) and "top—down" (predator limitation) hypotheses directly. Also, we tested the size—efficiency hypothesis (size—selective predation) at the nonpiscivorous fish and benthic invertebrate trophic levels. In the presence of piscivores, the biomass of nonpiscivorous fish was lower and the biomass and abundance of benthic invertebrates were higher than in the absence of piscivores. Microcommunity biomass did not differ at sites with vs. without piscivores. Thus, we rejected the bottom—up hypothesis in favor of the top—down hypothesis. The influences of the top trophic level on lower levels decreased with "distance" from the top of the food chain. Also, benthic invertebrate predators were larger in the presence of piscivores, consistent with the size—efficiency hypothesis. The habitat limitation hypothesis was also supported at the benthic invertebrate and nonpiscivorous fish trophic levels. Invertebrate biomass and abundance were positively related to extent of riffles, whereas fish biomass and abundance were negatively related to extent of riffles. We speculate that this complementary distribution may be determined by fish predation on the invertebrates.

Duckling Responses to Lake Acidification: Do Black Ducks and Fish Compete?

This study focused on two pairs of ponds in Maine, USA, that were physically similar but which had markedly different acidities. Salmon Pond (pH 6.3) had fish, while 120 m away, Mud Pond (pH 4.5) was fishless. The second pair, Killman Pond (pH 6.5) and Unnamed Pond (pH 4.8), 14 km distant, were also physically similar but again the circumneutral pond had fish and the acidic pond was fishless. Imprinted black duck ducklings, Anas rubripes, kept on the acidic ponds grew faster than those on the circumneutral ponds. Differences in behavior also indicated that the acidic ponds were better duckling habitat. Ducklings on the acidic ponds spent less time searching and moving, and more time feeding and resting, than ducklings on the circumneutral ponds. There was substantial overlap in the diets of trout and ducks; two of the three indices calculated indicated that ducklings sharing a circumneutral pond with fish had diets that were more similar to the fish's diets than to the diets of ducklings on acidic ponds. Sweep-net samples of invertebrate abundance and comparisons of benthic invertebrate abundance inside and outside fish exclosure cages indicated that the presence of fish decreased invertebrate abundance. These results support the idea that ducklings and fish compete for invertehrates and that, under certain circumstances, the negative effect of acidification on fish may produce a beneficial effect for ducklings.

The effects of floods on the invertebrate fauna of a large, unstable braided river

Abstract The abundance and species composition of benthic invertebrates were studied at three sites in the Lower Rakaia River for one year, and continued at one of these sites for a further year. A total of 33 taxa were identified. Trichoptera (15 species) and Diptera (7 species) were the most common species. Larvae of mayfly Deleatidium were, however, numerically dominant, comprising up to 96% of samples. Species abundance and diversity were low, probably because of the frequent floods. Abundance was inversely related to antecedent discharge and was least following severe floods of about 550 m3 s ‘. Species diversity and standing crop were greater during the more stable winter flows than during the flood‐prone spring, summer, and autumn flows. The similarity of species composition decreased with increasing distance between sites but was least between years at one site, probably as a result of changed frequency of floods. Increases in species abundance and diversity were recorded even during short periods...

The Role ofFundulus heteroclitusin Salt Marsh Trophic Dynamics

The common mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus , functions as both predator and prey in the trophic structure of east coast tidal marshes. Although mummichogs are generally considered important to energy transformations within marshes, few studies have convincingly demonstrated that predation by F. heteroclitus affects the abundance of salt marsh benthic invertebrates. Thus far investigations of this type have dealt only with the direct effects of adult mummichogs. The results of recent experiments have suggested that by controlling smaller predators, mummichogs may indirectly have a positive effect on the densities of some infaunal marsh invertebrates. Our current knowledge of larval and juvenile mummichogs in their natural habitat is minimal. Unlike the adults, which can utilize the intertidal zone only when it is flooded, the young remain on the marsh even at low tide, inhabiting shallow puddles of residual tidal water that form between clumps of vegetation and around fiddler crab ( Uca sp .) burrows. The importance of F. heteroclitus in salt marsh communities will remain incompletely understood unless future studies consider the role of larval and juvenile mummichogs. Although many species of fishes and wading birds feed on mummichogs, the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is probably the major predator of adult F. heteroclitus in the intertidal salt marsh. Predation by adult mummichogs and xanthid crabs (e.g., Eurytium limosum ) may contribute to the high mortality of larval and juvenile Fundulus .

Salt-Marsh Benthic Invertebrates: Small-Scale Patterns of Distribution and Abundance

Monitoring of small-scale distribution patterns of benthic invertebrates has demonstrated distinct trends in faunal abundances with position relative to individual culms of saltmarsh cordgrass,Spartina alterniflora, at Tar Landing Bay Marsh, near Morehead City, North Carolina. Samples containing culms ofSpartina yielded significantly higher abundances (at least three times) than did samples without them. Among common species, onlyNereis succinea did not show this effect. Matrix-arranged and randomly placed sets of samples have confirmed a positive relationship between cross-sectional area of culms in a sample (at the sediment-water interface) and contained numbers of macrofauna, juvenile macrofauna and meiofauna. These patterns occurred despite a decreased volume of sediment in samples containing culms. Heightened abundances of benthic invertebrates associated with structural elements at the sediment-water interface may result from either nonrandom recruitment (either active via recruit selectivity or passive through hydrogeographic effects of culms) or differential post-recruitment mortality (resulting from inhibition of epibenthic predators or from variable habitat quality).

Spatial and seasonal associations of benthic macroinvertebrates and detritus in an Alaskan subarctic stream

Seasonal and spatial patterns of benthic invertebrate abundance were examined in relation to benthic detritus in Monument Creek, an Alaskan subarctic stream. The total macroinvertebrate fauna showed a mid-summer low in abundance, increasing to seasonal highs in winter/early spring (November/May). Shredders were a small portion of the benthic fauna or leaf pack fauna in summer but increased rapidly (in biovolume) following autumnal leaf fall to dominate the fauna by early winter (October/November). Abundance was strongly correlated with quantity of detritus in the sample. Comparison of benthic macroinvertebrate densities from Alaskan streams with comparable data from temperate zone streams shows that Alaskan streams are similar to temperate zone streams in range of abundance. Each unit of benthic detritus in Monument Creek is associated with a relatively large number of small (low individual biomass) shredders compared to streams in temperate regions. Detrital resources in this subarctic stream were meager, compared to temperate streams, and appeared to strongly influence the spatial and temporal patterns of detritivores.

The ecological effect of acid conditions and precipitation of hydrous metal oxides in a Rocky Mountain stream

Periphyton and benthic invertebrates assemblages were studied at the confluence of two Rocky Mountain streams, Deer Creek and the Snake River near Montezuma, Colorado. Upstream from the confluence the Snake River is acidic and enriched in dissolved trace metals, while Deer Creek is a typical Rocky Mountain stream. In the Snake River, downstream from the confluence, the pH increases and hydrous metal oxides precipitate and cover the streambed. The algal and benthic invertebrate communities in the upstream reaches of the Snake River and in Deer Creek were very different. A liverwort, Scapania undulata var. undulata, was abundant in the Snake River, and although periphyton were very sparse, there were as many benthic invertebrates as in Deer Creek. Downstream from the confleunce, the precipitation of hydrous metal oxides greatly decreased the abundance of periphyton and benthic invertebrates. This study shows that in streams metal precipitates covering the streambed may have a more deleterious effect on stream communities than high metal-ion activities.

The benthic macroinvertebrates of the Block Island Sound

The benthic invertebrates of Block Island Sound have not been adequately studied, in contrast to other adjacent southern New England sounds. This study examines the species composition, abundance and biomass of benthic macrofaunal invertebrates at nine locations within Block Island Sound. The sites sampled, represent a wide range of subtidal habitats within the Sound, and were visited in February and September. Some 224 species were identified, of which almost half (104) were polychaetes. The benthic assemblages at most stations were dominated numerically by tube dwelling, surface detritus or suspension feeding amphipods, e.g. Ampelisca agassizi and A. vadorum, as well as the protobranch bivalve, Nucula proxima. This dominant Ampelisca-Nucula assemblage was associated with silty fine sand sediments. The average macrofaunal biomass for all stations was 158 g (wet weight) m −2, two thirds the average benthic biomass of Georges Bank, an important fishery area. Based on the examination of the records of earlier surveys in Block Island Sound, there is evidence that this silty-sand, ampeliscid-dominated assemblage has persisted since at least the mid-1940s.

Factors influencing the species composition, distribution and abundance of benthic invertebrates in the profundal zone of a eutrophic northern lake

Factors influencing the species composition, distribution and abundance of benthic invertebrates were determined in a eutrophic subarctic lake from April 1978 to April 1979. Collections were made at five stations located at depths of 4 to 13 m. The largest populations of up to 5 × 103 animals m−2 were found in the deepest part of the lake. of the 24 species recorded in this area, the chironomidsProcladius denticulatus, Dicrotendipes modestus, Chironomus decorus andGlyptotendipes barbipes were most common. The strong development of benthos in the profundal zone was attributed to a consistently large supply of food and warm (4 °C) winter temperatures on bottom. Slightly smaller populations (up to 4 × 103 animals, m−2), composed of 19–23 species, occurred in shallower water, a reflection of lower (1.5 °C) winter temperatures. In the anoxic northern part of the lake, only 4–8 species were found in low numbers (400–1 000 animals m−2). This was likely due to low (<5% saturation) oxygen levels in water and high organic content (18.5%) of the sediments.

Distribution and abundance of benthic invertebrates in a Sonoran Desert stream

Numbers and biomass of benthic invertebrates generally varied in proportion to standing crops of filamentous algae. This association of invertebrates and algae may indicate the importance of autochthonous production in the trophic relations of the stream. Summer flash flooding was also a significant factor affecting the seasonal abundance of invertebrates by critically reducing population levels. In spite of such severe flooding, recovery by invertebrates was consistent, and the stream was able to support annual mean standing crops of benthic invertebrates comparable to those in streams of other regions where floods are not as frequent and intense.

Effects of logging on stream environments and faunas in Nelson

The effects of various logging practices on stream environments and faunas were studied at the Golden Downs State Forest in Nelson. Comparisons were made between the features of a control stream with an unmodified forest catchment and three streams whose catchments had been affected by different logging practices. Measurements were made of stream flow, water temperature, stream bed sedimentation, suspended sediment and dissolved solids concentrations, and the abundance of benthic invertebrates and fishes. Clearfelling to the stream's edge, together with inappropriate roading and bridging techniques, caused great changes in stream environments and faunas. Excessive amounts of waste timber and soil entered streams and stream bed loads, and suspended sediment and dissolved solid concentrations increased. In comparison to the control stream water temperatures increased in summer by up to 6.5cc and decreased in winter by as much as 2.5°c. In one stream the benthic invertebrate fauna was greatly modified; there was a reduction in the abundance of Plecoptera and certain Ephemeroptera nymphs, and an increase in the abundance of oligochaetes. chironomids, and Deleatidium nymphs. Fishes, Galaxias divergens and Anguilla dieffenbachi, were also reduced in numbers in this stream. In January 1971 numerous brown trout (Salmo trutta) and other fishes died in the Motueka River, and there are indications that this was due in part to low dissolved oxygen concentrations following excessive sedimentation of the river bed caused by unsatisfactory logging practices. In general, the physical and chemical changes found in the stream environments were similar to those found overseas, but those noted in the invertebrate and fish fauna were rather different, e.g., logging had different effects on the abundance of Diptera, Ephemeroptera, and Trichoptera, and on trout survival and migration. The data collected will be of some value in assessing the effects of this type of logging on other streams and their biotas in the Nelson region. A protective buffer strip of unlogged vegetation was left alongside one stream and the remainder of the catchment was clearfelled. In comparison to the other streams there was relatively little change in the aquatic environment and fauna. Although stream flows and nitrate concentrations were considerably higher than in the control stream, these differences may have been natural and not a consequence of the logging operations. Similar results have been found overseas, and it is concluded that provided measures are taken to reduce erosion, buffer strips will be effective in reducing the effects of logging operations on stream environments and their faunas in other forests throughout New Zealand.

The macroinvertebrate fauna of a New Zealand forest stream

Abstract The distribution, abundance, and life histories of benthic invertebrates were investigated in a small, Nothofagus forest stream in North Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand. The fauna was dominated by Trichoptera and Plecoptera; Mollusca and fish were absent. Large particle detritivores and scrapers were the predominant functional groups found. Larval Philopotamidae (Trichoptera) were the only abundant filter feeders. Nymphs of the stonefly Spaniocerca zelandica and of mayflies, Deleatidium spp., were the most abundant animals on plant detritus; Deleatidium spp. were abundant on stones also. The distribution of invertebrates in riffles, loose stones, pools, and plunge pools was examined using mesh colonisation trays lifted in September, November, February, and May after respectively 88, 69, 98, and 94 days in situ. Most species were widely distributed, and sample densities of the more abundant insect species showed weak positive correlations with the biomass of detritus present in trays in most...

Diet overlaps and feeding relationships between the year classes in the yellow perch (Perca flavescens)

A comparative study of the diets of five year classes of perch in Lake Opinicon showed Year class 0 to be mainly Cladocera feeders, the Year class 11 to take a diversified range of insect larvae, whereas from Year class V onwards Anisoptera nymphs, decapods, and fish dominated the diet. Sizes of the dominant food items changed strikingly with growth, prey weights of 0.1, 0.5–1.0, and 100–250 mg predominating in these three age groupings. There were marked month to month changes in types and proportions of different prey consumed. Overall and month to month feeding overlaps between consecutive year classes were considerable, most values ranging from 0.68–1.0 by the Levins formula. However, diet overlap dropped sharply with increasing age gap. Month to month dietary changes and year class differences were interpreted relative to benthic invertebrate abundance cycles. Months of increased diet overlap were characteristically those when favored prey types peaked, thereby simultaneously attracting several year classes to them. Hence increased diet. overlap is not necessarily an indicator of increased intraspecific competition. Habitat differences between the year classes of perch in Lake Opinicon were partial and concerned mainly the smaller, and larger, fish relative to those in the middle size range.

Benthic faunal assemblages off the Delmarva Peninsula

Based on 90 quantitative samples collected May and November 1973 the species composition, distribution and abundance of benthic invertebrates on the inner continental shelf off the Delmarva Peninsula (38 ° 23′N and 47 ° 15′W) were determined. A total of 149 species were identified. Thirty-five were found only in May and 65 only in November. In May the fauna consisted primarily of nearly equal numbers of polychaete and crustacean species with an increase in the number of polychaete species and a decrease in crustacean species in November. In May the polychaetes Goniadella gracilis and Lumbrineris acuta were co-dominants (Biological Index Value) while in November the archiannelid Polygordius sp. was strongly dominant. There was essentially no change in the number of deposit-feeding individuals from May to November. Even though the trophic structure remained unchanged, the species changed and the total number of individuals increased by 50% from May to November. The Delmarva assemblage was briefly compared to benthic assemblages closer to the Delaware Bay estuary. Comparison revealed the importance of estuaries and ridge and swale microtopography in influencing the distribution of the shelf fauna. It was concluded that the Delmarva assemblage belonged to a clean sand fauna which occurs throughout the inner continental shelf of the Middle Atlantic Bight. A number of species representing polychaetes, crustaceans, mollusks and echinoderms were proposed as characteristic sand fauna species.

On the Deep-Water Fauna of Lake Michigan

Previous articleNext article FreeOn the Deep-Water Fauna of Lake MichiganWilliam StimpsonWilliam Stimpson Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by The American Naturalist Volume 4, Number 7Sep., 1870 Published for The American Society of Naturalists Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/270613 Views: 13 Citations: 7Citations are reported from Crossref PDF download Crossref reports the following articles citing this article:Nancy A. Auer, Miles Corcoran, Martin T. Auer Measurement of Diporeia respiration rate for Lake Superior, Journal of Great Lakes Research 40, no.44 (Dec 2014): 1033–1036.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2014.09.004Asta Audzijonytė, Risto Väinölä Diversity and distributions of circumpolar fresh- and brackish-water Mysis (Crustacea: Mysida): descriptions of M. relictaLovén, 1862, M. salemaai n. sp.,M. segerstralei n. sp. and M. diluviana n. sp., based on molecular and morphological characters, Hydrobiologia 544, no.11 (Aug 2005): 89–141.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-004-8337-7Nancy A. Auer, Jason E. Kahn Abundance and Distribution of Benthic Invertebrates, with Emphasis on Diporeia, along the Keweenaw Peninsula, Lake Superior, Journal of Great Lakes Research 30 (Jan 2004): 340–359.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0380-1330(04)70396-2 Michael H. Winnell , and David S. White Ecology of Shallow and Deep Water Populations of Pontoporeia hoyi (Smith) (Amphipoda) in Lake Michigan, Freshwater Invertebrate Biology 3, no.33 (Oct 2015): 118–138.https://doi.org/10.2307/1467186Nevin E. Grossnickle Feeding habits ofMysis relicta ? an overview, Hydrobiologia 93, no.1-21-2 (Aug 1982): 101–107.https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00008103Nevin E. Grossnickle Feeding habits ofMysis relicta - an overview, (Jan 1982): 101–107.https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8012-9_11Angela C. Evans Syntypes of Decapoda described by William Stimpson and James Dana in the collections of the British Museum (Natural History), Journal of Natural History 1, no.33 (Sep 1967): 399–411.https://doi.org/10.1080/00222936700770391