Effects of invertebrates in lotic ecosystem processes

Abstract

Freshwater invertebrates perform many roles in ecosystem processes (Palmer et al., 1997) and these roles are frequently associated with a diverse array of feeding habits which have been organized into functional feeding groups (FFGs). Wallace and Webster (1996) reviewed many roles ofFFGs in stream ecosystems. Streams differ markedly from most ecosystems in that the unidirectional flow of water through areas of different relief, lithology, runoff and large woody debris generates an array of channel forms (Brussock et al., 1985). These various channel forms result in many diverse habitats (Frissell et al., 1986), which place many constraints on organisms and the type and form of their food resources. This physical heterogeneity,including substrate and current velocity, is important in that it influences many aspects of stream ecology including nutrient dynamics, biotic diversity of animals, functional feeding groups, predator-prey interactions, refugia from disturbances, micro- and macroflora,organic matter retention and transport, as well as local secondary production (see Wallace and Webster, 1996).

Citation

Wallace, J.B.; Hutchens, J.J. Jr. 2000. Effects of invertebrates in lotic ecosystem processes. In: Invertebrates as Webmasters in Ecosystems edited by Coleman, D.C. and Hendrix, P.P., January 2000