Publication details
Structure of macroinvertebrate communities studied across hierarchically organized habitats of large river
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2005 |
| Type | Article in Proceedings |
| Conference | Symposium RIVER BOTTOM VI Brno, Book of abstracts |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Ecology |
| Keywords | macroinvertebrates; river habitats; Becva River; EURO-LIMPACS |
| Description | The hierarchical classification of river habitats using various environmental characteristics was done across spatial scales (microhabitat, mesohabitat, stretch). We have studied two stretches at Becva River where the flood event has modified canalized channel resulting in improved lateral connectivity and recovery of channel forming processes. Distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates in relation to physical characteristics of river habitats was studied. Results based on macroinvertebrate samples and environmental information collected during one sampling campaign (October 2004) are presented. Substrate type, hydraulic conditions, erosion-sedimentation processes and functional structures within channel were used for physical classification of habitats. The basic spatial units were sampling points where macroinvertebrate material was sampled – 0.25 x 0.25 m area of river bottom. We clustered these basic units into various habitat types distinguishing marginal/mid-channel zones, deposition/sedimentation zones, substrate patches. Relationships between these environmentally derived units and classifications based on structure of macroinvertebrate communities were analyzed. Evaluation of habitat preference of individual taxa was combined with analyses of distribution patterns of community characteristics (taxa composition and trait characteristics). Presented results came from the introductory analysis being a part of more complex investigation focused on study of distribution patterns of macroinvertebrates in relation to gradients, heterogeneity and dynamics of environmental conditions. |