Functional Feeding Group Composition Research Articles

Influence of clearcut logging, flow duration, and season on emergent aquatic insects in headwater streams of the Central Oregon Coast Range

We measured the effects of timber-harvest condition (clearcut and forested) and flow duration (perennial and intermittent) on emergent aquatic insect assemblages at 20 headwater streams in the Central Oregon Coast Range. Clearcut streams had been logged to the stream banks within 2 y prior to the start of our study. Adult aquatic insects were sampled from a 40-m reach at each study stream in 3 seasons: summer, autumn, and spring. Emergent insects were strong indicators of harvest condition and, regardless of flow duration or season, more aquatic insects emerged from streams in clearcut catchments than in forested catchments. Plecoptera had higher emergence rates from intermittent streams than from perennial streams in spring. Functional feeding group composition was not apparently affected by harvest condition or flow duration. Taxon richness was slightly higher at clearcut than at forested streams, primarily because of the occurrence of rare taxa at clearcut streams. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) ordination of emergent aquatic insect assemblages showed community patterns that varied by season and harvest condition, but little by flow duration. Stream canopy % cover, stand age, logging debris (% slash), and substrate composition differed between clearcut and forested streams and were strongly correlated with NMS axes. Taxa that responded to conditions created by logging, such as % slash or canopy opening, contributed to differences in assemblages between headwater streams flowing through clearcut and forested catchments.

Seasonal flow variation allows ‘time‐sharing’ by disparate aquatic insect communities in montane desert streams

Summary1. Flow variation can drive major abiotic changes in stream environments between seasons. Theoretically, disparate biotic communities could be maintained during different seasons at a single site if suitable refuges and colonist sources were available. Using isolated montane desert streams in south‐east Arizona as a model system, we hypothesised that two disparate aquatic insect faunas (montane temperate and neotropical) could be maintained at the same sites through strong seasonal variation in abiotic conditions.2. We collected aquatic insects representing 59 families from seven streams during high‐flow (March–April) and low‐flow (June) sampling periods across two years. We assessed changes in aquatic insect community and functional feeding group composition by habitat (riffle, pool) and season (high flow, low flow).3. Within sites, wetted stream area decreased by an average of 97% between high‐flow (predominately riffles) and low‐flow (predominately pools) seasons. Community composition likewise showed strong seasonal patterns; the montane temperate fauna was strongly associated with the high‐flow season while neotropical hemipterans and coleopterans were associated with the low‐flow season. Increased water temperature was significantly associated with this shift from temperate to neotropical assemblages.4. Functional feeding group composition shifted dramatically by season. The proportion of predators increased from 24.5% (high flow) to 75.2% (low flow) while collector–filterers and shredders declined from 38.4% (high flow) to 1.7% (low flow).5. We suggest that habitat ‘time‐sharing’ by disparate communities is facilitated via strong seasonal variation in temperature and flow and the presence of high elevation refuges or diapause stages for temperate montane taxa to survive the dry season.

Macroinvertebrate functional organization and water quality in a large arid river from Patagonia (Argentina)

The composition and abundance of functional feeding groups of the macroinvertebrate communities were investigated along the Chubut River in the Patagonian Precordillera and Plateau, Argentina. Chubut River (>1000 km) is the largest river in the area and the hydrological regime is modified in the lower section by an artificial reservoir (Florentino Ameghino Dam). Quantitative benthic samples were collected at 13 sites in the upper, middle and lower sections of the river basin. Sites were visited four times during 2004 and physicochemical parameters, chlorophyll a and particulate organic matter (POM) were assessed. In terms of relative abundance, collector-gatherers and scrapers/grazers were the predominant groups at most sites. Shredders were not abundant in the upper sites and were practically absent at middle and lower basin sites. Collector filterers that comprised more than 25 % of abundance at the pre-regulated site were practically absent right below the dam. POM biomass decreased significantly with distance from the source and chlorophyll a showed a marked increase below the reservoir. We conclude that although there was a distinct headwaters fauna in the Chubut River, and sequential downstream changes in species composition, most functional feeding groups (apart from shredders) were represented down the whole length of the river. Finally, the usefulness of biotic indices and metrics in relation with main environmental features of the Chubut River basin is discussed.

Fauna of Macroinvertebrates and Composition of Functional Feeding Groups about the Aquatic Insects to Microhabitats from the Geum River, Korea

The main objective of this study is to find out the fauna of macroinvertebrate and composition of functional feeding groups about the aquatic insects to microhabitat from the Geum River, Korea. This study is based on investigations of the main channel of Geum River, Korea which is upstream of Daecheong Dam, and carried out in the spring and autumn of 2004. Collections from all the sites were 39,532 individuals, 130 species, 54 families, 16 orders, 7 classes, and 4 phyla of macroinvertebrates. Aquatic insects were composed of 90.76% (118 species) and 98.88% (39,088 individuals) of all the identified species. Among the microhabitats, the riffles were collected 26,293 individuals and 92 species, and the runs were collected 12,329 individuals and 89 species. Finally, the pools were collected 494 individuals and 41 species. In this survey, the proportions of functional feeding groups of aquatic insects were as follows (percent of identified): predators 37.65%, gathering-collectors 23.53%, scrapers 16.47%, filtering-collectors 11.76%, shredders 9.41% and plant-piercers 1.18%. Also, the functional feeding groups were sorted according to microhabitat, in the riffles 30.65% were predators and 29.03% were gathering-collectors; in the run 30.3% were predators, and 28.79% were gathering-collectors; while in the pools 36.67% were predators, and 30.0% were gathering-collectors. In all microhabitats, gathering collectors and predators were predominant, because most of the survey sites are in the midstream. Also, the scrapers were shown more frequently in the riffle (17.74%) and run (18.18 %) than pool (13.13%), the filtering-collectors were shown more frequently in the riffle (14.52%) and the run (12.12%) than the pool (6.67%), and the plant-piercers (3.33%) were found only in pools. But the shredders weren't a difference in the run (10.61%), the pool (10.0%) and the riffle (8.06%), because of the characteristic. Microhabitats (riffle and run) are much alike in composition ratio of functional feeding groups and pool was very lower out of composition ratio in microhabitats. But riffle is very important than run, because most of individual occur in streams. Besides, pool was diverse to composition ratios, considering the number of individuals.

Influences of logging history and riparian forest characteristics on macroinvertebrates and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in headwater streams (New Hampshire, U.S.A.)

Summary1. Logging can strongly affect stream macroinvertebrate communities, but the direction and magnitude of these effects and their implications for trout abundance are frequently region‐specific and difficult to predict.2. In first‐order streams in northern New England (U.S.A.) representing a chronosequence of logging history (<2 to >80 years since logging), we measured riparian forest conditions, stream macroinvertebrate community characteristics and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) abundance. Principal component analysis was used to collapse forest data into two independent variables representing variation in logging history, riparian forest structure and canopy cover. We used these data to test whether logging history and associated forest conditions were significant predictors of macroinvertebrate abundance and functional feeding group composition, and whether brook trout abundance was related to logging‐associated variation in invertebrate communities.3. Catchments with high PC1 scores (recently logged, high‐density stands with low mean tree diameter) and low PC2 scores (low canopy cover) had significantly higher total macroinvertebrate abundance, particularly with respect to chironomid larvae (low PC2 scores) and invertebrates in the grazer functional feeding group (high PC1 scores). In contrast, proportional representation of macroinvertebrates in the shredder functional feeding group increased with time since logging and canopy cover (high PC2 scores). Brook trout density and biomass was significantly greater in young, recently logged stands (high PC1 scores) and was positively related to overall macroinvertebrate abundance. In addition, three variables – trout density, invertebrate abundance and shredder abundance – successfully discriminated between streams that were less‐impacted versus more‐impacted by forestry.4. These results indicate that timber harvest in northern New England headwater streams may shift shredder‐dominated macroinvertebrate communities supporting low trout abundance to a grazer/chironomid‐dominated macroinvertebrate community supporting higher trout abundance. However, while local effects on brook trout abundance may be positive, these benefits may be outweighed by negative effects of brook trout on co‐occurring species, as well as impairment of habitat quality downstream. Research testing the generality of these patterns will improve understanding of how aquatic ecosystems respond to anthropogenic and natural trajectories of forest change.

Characterizing macroinvertebrate assemblage structure in relation to stream size and tributary position

We examined the variability of macroinvertebrate assemblage structure, species identities, and functional feeding group composition in relation to stream size, tributary position, and in-stream factors in a boreal watershed in Finland. Our study included three riffle sites in each of three stream sections in each of three stream size classes. Multi-response permutation procedure, indicator value method, and canonical correspondence analysis revealed clear differences in assemblage structure among the stream size classes, with a gradual increase of species richness as the stream size increased. Significant differences in assemblage structure were also found among the tributary river systems. The functional feeding group composition broadly followed the river continuum concept, i.e., headwaters were dominated by shredders, gatherers, or filterers, whereas scrapers increased in relative abundance with stream size. There was, however, considerable variation in the functional feeding group composition both among and within the headwater stream sections. Our findings refer to a strong influence of stream size on macroinvertebrate assemblages, but also factors prevailing at the scale of individual riffles should be considered in biodiversity conservation of lotic ecosystems.

Macroinvertebrate community response to natural and forest harvest gradients in western Oregon headwater streams

Summary1. To examine the effects of forest harvest practices on headwater stream macroinvertebrates, we compiled a 167 site database with macroinvertebrate, fish, physical habitat and catchment land cover data from the three forested ecoregions in western Oregon. For our analysis, headwater streams were defined by catchment areas <10 km2 and perennial water during summer low flows. Almost all sites in the database were selected using a randomised survey design, constituting a representative sample of headwater streams in these ecoregions.2. Macroinvertebrate taxonomic and functional feeding group composition were very similar among the three ecoregions in the study area (Coast Range, Cascades and Klamath Mountains). On average, 55% of the individuals at each site were in the orders Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera or Trichoptera. Dipteran taxa (mostly chironomids) accounted for another 34%. At almost all sites, non‐insects made up <10% of the macroinvertebrate assemblage. Almost half (49%) of the assemblages were collectors; remaining individuals were about evenly divided among scrapers, shredders and predators.3. There were 189 different macroinvertebrate taxa at the 167 sites with richness at individual sites ranging from 7 to 71 taxa. Ordination by non‐metric multidimensional scaling revealed a strong association between % Ephemeroptera, especially Baetis, and site scores along the first axis. This axis was also strongly related to % coarse substratum and fast water habitat. The second axis was strongly related to % intolerant individuals, site slope and altitude. No strong relationships were evident between any ordination axis and either logging activity, presence/absence of fish, catchment size or ecoregion.4. Based on macroinvertebrate index of biotic integrity (IBI) scores, 62% of the sites had no impairment, 31% of the sites had slight impairment and only 6% of the sites had moderate or severe impairment. IBI scores were not strongly related to forest harvest history. All four severely impaired sites and five of the seven sites with moderate impairment were lower altitude, shallower slope stream reaches located in the Coast Range with evidence of agricultural activity in their catchment or riparian zone. % sand + fine substratum was the environmental variable most strongly related to macroinvertebrate IBI.

Hyporheic macroinvertebrates in riffle and pool areas of temporary streams in south eastern Australia

The hyporheic zone is an important refuge for invertebrates as surface water recedes in temporary streams. In this study, the structure and functional organisation of hyporheic macroinvertebrate assemblages in pool and dry riffle bed habitats of two episodic streams were compared over summer and winter. Multivariate analyses revealed macroinvertebrate assemblages differed significantly between streams, habitats and seasons. While some seasonal differences were expected, the differences between streams were not, given the similarity and proximity of the catchments, and were due to shifts in the abundance of common taxa. Distinct differences between riffle and pool habitats were evident in both the taxonomic and functional feeding group composition of the assemblages. In particular, riffle habitats contained greater numbers of taxa and individuals and a greater proportion of filter-feeding animals compared to pool habitats. Summer samples also had greater numbers of taxa and individuals and greater proportions of collector-scrapers than winter samples. The relative abundance of functional groups was similar between streams in summer but was more variable in winter. Patterns observed in the taxonomic and functional feeding group structure of the macroinvertebrate assemblages were more characteristic of perennial than episodic streams, despite the absence of regular surface flows. This could be attributed to the relatively constant hyporheic flow in these streams. We suggest that classifications of stream flow should consider hyporheic discharge (not just surface flow) as this clearly influences the stream biota.

Identifying the scales of variability in stream macroinvertebrate abundance, functional composition and assemblage structure

Summary1. Many natural ecosystems are heterogeneous at scales ranging from microhabitats to landscapes. Running waters are no exception in this regard, and their environmental heterogeneity is reflected in the distribution and abundance of stream organisms across multiple spatial scales.2. We studied patchiness in benthic macroinvertebrate abundance and functional feeding group (FFG) composition at three spatial scales in a boreal river system. Our sampling design incorporated a set of fully nested scales, with three tributaries, two stream sections (orders) within each tributary, three riffles within each section and ten benthic samples in each riffle.3. According to nested anovas, most of the variation in total macroinvertebrate abundance, abundances of FFGs, and number of taxa was accounted for by the among‐riffle and among‐sample scales. Such small‐scale variability reflected similar patterns of variation in in‐stream variables (moss cover, particle size, current velocity and depth). Scraper abundance, however, varied most at the scale of stream sections, probably mirroring variation in canopy cover.4. Tributaries and stream sections within tributaries differed significantly in the structure and FFG composition of the macroinvertebrate assemblages. Furthermore, riffles in headwater (second order) sections were more variable than those in higher order (third order) sections.5. Stream biomonitoring programs should consider this kind of scale‐dependent variability in assemblage characteristics because: (i) small‐scale variability in abundance suggests that a few replicate samples are not enough to capture macroinvertebrate assemblage variability present at a site, and (ii) riffles from the same stream may support widely differing benthic assemblages.

Benthic invertebrate assemblage change following dam removal in a Wisconsin stream

Small dams (height <10 m) have transformed stream networks across the United States. Shopiere Dam was removed from Turtle Creek, a fourth order stream in Southeastern Wisconsin in the fall of 1999. We sampled three sites (upstream of the impoundment, immediately below the dam, and farther downstream) before and after dam removal to identify changes in the invertebrate assemblage following removal. Prior to removal, upstream and downstream sites had similar taxonomic composition. In contrast the dam site had more taxonomic variation. The upstream, dam and downstream sites responded differently to dam removal in analyses of diversity, functional feeding groups, and invertebrate composition. Upstream at the reference site, changes in functional feeding group composition appeared to be associated with a decrease in silt coverage. At the dam site, taxonomic composition changed following dam removal, however diversity and functional feeding groups remained similar. At the downstream site, the invertebrate assemblage remained similar in all analyses. Our observations indicate that the effects of dam removal were not uniform through the stream, rather each site responded in a different way.

Ecological impacts on aquatic macroinvertebrates following upland stream invasion by a ponded pasture grass (Glyceria maxima) in southern Australia

Glyceria maxima (Reed sweet-grass), an emergent aquatic grass native to Eurasia, has naturalised in North America, New Zealand and southern Australia. Introduced as a ponded pasture species, it threatens native biodiversity and ecosystem processes in freshwater wetlands and waterways. We compared paired sections, either invaded or not invaded by G. maxima, of three upland streams in Gippsland, Victoria, Australia to infer its impacts on macroinvertebrate abundance, morphospecies density, and morphospecies and functional feeding group (FFG) composition. Its potential effects in altering sedimentation were explored by comparing stream channel morphology in paired stream sections at one site. Invasion by G. maxima appears to drive changes in macroinvertebrate morphospecies composition and FFG composition, reducing a diverse array of macroinvertebrates to a more uniform fauna. The estimated volume of plant/sediment matrix in a 50 m invaded stream section was around 1100 m3, nearly 15-fold greater than in an adjacent uninvaded stream section. Glyceria maxima is an autogenic ecosystem engineer, with the ability to convert sections of fast-flowing aerobic streams into partially anaerobic swamps. By generating a root-mat swamp with a high capacity to process nutrients, G. maxima may facilitate its own growth and spread, as well as that of secondary invaders.

Water Quality and Macroinvertebrate Community Structure Associated with a Sportfish Hatchery Outfall

Water quality and benthic macroinvertebrate communities near the A. E. Wood Fish Hatchery effluent outfall in the San Marcos River, Texas, were studied from October 1996 to July 1998. The upper San Marcos River is a hydrologically stable, spring-fed system that provides habitat for several endemic and endangered species. The hatchery effluent generally had little discernable effect on water quality at downstream locations, although total suspended solids and chlorophyll-a levels were elevated compared with levels in upstream areas. Benthic macroinvertebrates likewise showed no appreciable differences between upstream and downstream sampling locations, and upstream and downstream communities overlapped considerably in terms of species composition, species richness, and functional feeding group composition. We conclude that hatchery effluent did not substantially affect water quality or benthic macroinvertebrate community structure during the course of this study.

Vegetation Cover and Substrate Type as Factors Influencing the Spatial Distribution of Trichopterans along a Karstic River

In the longitudinal continuum of the Kupa River the vegetation cover and substrate type were the important environmental factors influencing the spatial differences in the biomass and community composition. Of total macroinvertebrate biomass, a significantly greater percentage of trichopterans was found on boulder and cobble substrata covered with moss (54.3% on boulders, 55.8% on cobbles) than on substrata covered with periphyton (9.9% on boulders, 14.8% on cobbles). In the potamal, trichopterans were markedly reduced (<2.5% of total macroinvertebrate biomass) on gravel substrata. A comparison of the Shannon diversity index values suggested that for trichopteran species diversity the substrate type was a more influential factor than vegetation cover. On the other hand, multidimensional scaling analysis showed that trichopteran community composition was related more significantly to vegetation cover and river area than to substrate type. In the rhithral the vegetation cover was an important factor influencing the functional feeding group composition of trichopterans. The spatial distribution of scrapers and filtering collectors depended significantly on the vegetation cover associated with substrate type, and shredder trichopterans were related to vegetation cover only. Predatory trichopterans made up 17‐65% of total predator biomass, and in the rhithron area they were correlated significantly only with vegetation cover. On gravel substrata in the potamal, vegetation cover did not affect the spatial distribution of shredder and collector-filterer trichopterans significantly.

Field and laboratory investigations on the effects of road salt (NaCl) on stream macroinvertebrate communities

Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the effects of road salt (NaCI) on stream macroinvertebrates. Field studies investigated leaf litter processing rates and functional feeding group composition at locations upstream and downstream from point source salt inputs in two Michigan, USA streams. Laboratory studies determined the effects of increasing NaCl concentrations on aquatic invertebrate drift, behavior, and survival. Field studies revealed that leaves were processed faster at upstream reference sites than at locations downstream from road salt point source inputs. However, it was sediment loading that resulted in partial or complete burial of leaf packs, that affected invertebrate activity and confounded normal leaf pack colonization. There were no significant differences that could be attributed to road salt between upstream and downstream locations in the diversity and composition of invertebrate functional feeding groups. Laboratory drift and acute exposure studies demonstrated that drift of Gammarus (Amphipoda) may be affected by NaCl at concentrations greater than 5000 mg/l for a 24-h period. This amphipod and two species of limnephilid caddisflies exhibited a dose response to salt treatments with 96-h LC50 values of 7700 and 3526 mg NaCl/l, respectively. Most other invertebrate species and individuals were unaffected by NaCl concentrations up to 10,000 mg/l for 24 and 96 h, respectively.

Benthic secondary production and biomass of insects emerging from a northern German temperate stream

1. Secondary production and emergence of aquatic insects were examined in the outlet of Lake Belau, Northern Germany, by means of benthic samples and emergence traps. 2. At three stream sections annual larval secondary production varied between 4.9 and 10.8 gDM (dry mass) m -2 year -1 . Insects contributed with 3.4, 8.9, and 8.7% to the total macroinvertebrate production that varied between 56.5 and 215.1 gDM m -2 year -1 . Emerged biomass was between 1.0 and 2.0 gDM m -2 year -1 . At all three stream sections Diptera dominated with a larval production of 3.0-6.1 gDM m -2 year -1 , followed by Trichoptera with 1.0-2.1 and Ephemeroptera with up to 0.9 gDM m -2 year -1 . 3. Average larval production amounted to 9.0 gDM m -2 year -1 and emerged biomass to 1.7 gDM m -2 year -1 . Larvae of insects amounted to 7.0% of total macroinvertebrate production. 4. The ratio of annual emerged biomass to secondary production (E/P) varied among individual taxa. At the stream sections the ratio ranged from 15.9% to 20.1% with an average of 18.3% for the stream. 5. Relative constancy of the E/P ratio suggests that the determination of emerged biomass can be used as a method for estimating the secondary production of aquatic insects. The composition of functional feeding groups clearly differs between emerged biomass and total macroinvertebrate production. Therefore, the method does not allow conclusions on the level of production of the whole benthic community. However, composition of functional feeding groups at emergence roughly reflects composition of these groups in the benthic insect community.

Macroinvertebrate Community Structure Along the Longitudinal Gradient of an Agriculturally Impacted Stream

/ Lapwai Creek, an agriculturally impacted stream in northern Idaho, was sampled seasonally over a two-year period to determine if macroinvertebrate community composition changed along the longitudinal gradient and if changes followed predictions of the river continuum concept. Possible relationships between changes in food resource availability and community structure were also examined. Benthic invertebrates were collected at eight locations along the longitudinal gradient of Lapwai Creek using a Hess sampler. Random skewer analysis suggested there was no longitudinal gradient for either number of individuals or functional feeding group composition. Cluster analysis revealed that all locations, excluding a site receiving outflow from a small, eutrophic reservoir, had a similar community structure, further suggesting that invertebrate community composition remained consistent along the longitudinal gradient of the stream. The community was dominated at all sites, excluding the site below the reservoir, by functionalgrazers. Shredders were rare throughout Lapwai Creek, even in areas where healthy riparian vegetation still remained. Studies of other streams within the drainage basin show that many species found in the upper reaches of these streams, where agricultural impacts are low, were absent throughout the length of Lapwai Creek. Data collected concurrently with macroinvertebrates indicated that the input, storage, and transport of particulate organic matter was low throughout the stream, whereas periphyton abundance was high. The absence of longitudinal changes, despite flowing through three distinct geomorphological regions, and the grouping of all sites except one by cluster analysis for both dominant taxa and functional feeding groups suggest that agricultural alteration has influenced community structure of Lapwai Creek, resulting in a relatively homogeneous assemblage of macroinvertebrates capable of tolerating agricultural nonpoint source pollution. Additional support for this hypothesis is the high abundance of one food source, periphyton, and the small quantities of terrestrially derived organic matter. The abundance of the former and the rarity of the latter can be attributed to alteration of the drainage basin resulting from agricultural activities through inputs of fertilizers that generated high nutrient concentrations and the removal of riparian vegetation to clear more land for agriculture and provide increase access to the stream.KEY WORDS: Agriculture; Longitudinal patterns; Macroinvertebrates; Nonpoint source; River continuum

Shredder–collector interactions in temporary streams of western Oregon

1. Field data and results from laboratory rearing are combined to describe shredder–collector interactions in western Oregon temporary streams.2. The composition of functional feeding groups in the temporary streams conforms to that predicted for permanent headwaters by the River Continuum Concept (RCC).3. A distinct functional feeding group phenology was found, with shredders emerging first and collectors emerging last in the season. Scrapers were intermediate.4. Presence of shredders enhanced collector growth in laboratory experiments (P &lt; 0.01;n = 12). The species reared in the study trials accounted for 67% of the shredder biomass and 76% of the collector biomass in the natural systems.5. Field data and laboratory rearing trials both support the hypothesis of a close shredder–collector interaction in the processing of allochthonous material in the summer‐dry headwaters studied.

Impact of a pulse application of permethrin on the macroinvertebrate community of a headwater stream

This study evaluated the impact of concentrated pulse (16 microg litre(-1)) of the insecticide permethrin (emulsifiable concentrate) on the macroinvertebrate community of a northern Ontario headwater stream. Post-treatment drift increased by a factor of 2400 within minutes of the arrival of the insecticide. There was a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the abundance of invertebrates in most families as far as 260 m below the point of injection in both kick and artificial substrate samples. Greatest impact was observed in the mayflies, Baetis flavistriga. Heptagenia flavescens, and Epeorus sp., the stonefly, Leuctra tenuis, and the caddisfly, Dolophilodes distinctus. Diptera were not significantly reduced. The number of species occurring 100 m from the point of injection was reduced by 47%, but only by 17% at 260 m. There was no change in the per cent composition of functional feeding groups at any point after treatment. Recovery of most invertebrates was complete within 6 weeks of treatment.

Spatial and temporal variation in the macroinvertebrate fauna of streams of the northern jarrah forest, Western Australia: functional organization

SUMMARY. 1. Spatial and temporal changes in functional organization of the invertebrate community of streams of the northern jarrah forest, Western Australia, were examined in the light of predictions of the river continuum concept (Vannote et al., 1980).2. The composition of the fauna was largely as predicted for forested headwater streams with detritivores, principally collectors, dominating the fauna. Although shredders are generally considered to be codominant in such streams, they were not abundant in the riffle areas sampled in this study.3. Some of the observed temporal changes in the composition of functional feeding groups were in agreement with those predicted by the generalized model. The abundance and richness of collectors were higher during the summer than winter, whereas the converse was true for filterers. This corresponded to the presumed availability of deposit and suspended fine‐particulate organic matter during summer and winter respectively. Scrapers and predators showed no consistent temporal pattern among sites. However, the density of the latter was highly correlated with the density of other invertebrates, particularly collectors.4. Temporal changes in the abundance and richness of shredders were not synchronized with the marked summer input of coarseparticulate organic matter. The possible reasons for this, and the role of shredders in Australian stream systems, are discussed.

Interbiome Comparison of Stream Ecosystem Dynamics

Studies were conducted in four distinct geographic areas (biomes/sites) in northern United States to examine changes in key ecosystem parameter: benthic organic matter (BOM), transported organic matter (TOM), community production and respiration, leaf pack decomposition, and functional feeding—group composition along gradients of increasing stream size. Four stations ranging from headwaters (1st or 2nd order) to midsized rivers (5th to 7th order) were examined at each site using comparable methods. The results for each parameter are presented and discussed in light of the River Continuum Concept of Vannote et al. (1980). The postulated gradual change in a stream ecosystem's structure and function is supported by this study. However, regional and local deviations occur as a result of variations in the influence of: (1) watershed climate and geology, (2) riparian conditions, (3) tributaries, and (4) location—specific lithology and geomorphology. In particular, the continuum framework must be visualized as a sliding scale which is shifted upstream or downstream depending on macroenvironmental forces (1 and 2) or reset following the application of more localized "micro"—environmental influences (3 and 4). Analysis of interactions between BOM and TOM permitted evaluation of stream retentiveness for organic matter. Headwaters generally were most retentive and downstream reaches the least. Estimates of organic matter turnover times ranged between 0.2 and 14 yr, and commonly were 1—4 yr. Both turnover times and distances were determined primarily by the interaction between current velocity and stream retention. Biological processes played a secondary role. However, the streams varied considerably in their spiraling of organic matter due to differences in the interplay between retentiveness and biological activity. Differences in the relative importance of retention mechanisms along the continuum suggest that headwater stream ecosystems may be functionally more stable, at least to physical disturbances, than are the r intermediate river counterparts.