Temporal and spatial macroinvertebrate variance compared: crucial role of CPOM in a headwater stream
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2012 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Hydrobiologia |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | http://www.springerlink.com/content/51503n1418jw8505/ |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-012-1003-6 |
| Field | Ecology |
| Keywords | Spatial distribution; Temporal changes; Functional feeding groups; Substratum; Mesohabitat; Streams |
| Description | The aim of the study was to estimate the extent to which macroinvertebrate assemblages in a headwater stream are determined by environmental conditions and temporal dynamics. Six mesohabitats were sampled monthly throughout one year, environmental conditions at each sampling point being precisely described. Environmental variables were truncated into two main gradients. The response of the macroinvertebrate assemblage to the environmental gradients and temporal dynamics were analyzed using GAM and (p)RDA. Twice as high portion of variance in the faunal data was attributed to environmental gradients compared to temporal dynamics. Total abundance, as well as the abundance of almost all feeding groups, was dependent on the availability of food and space resources (CPOM), while their proportions were determined by the quality of food resources driven by hydraulic conditions. Our results suggest the role of CPOM be crucial in woodland headwater streams, as it greatly enhances habitat quality. |
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