Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory

23 Aug, 05 PM - 23 Sep, 05 PM

The diel periodicity of invertebrate drift in streams is poorly understood. Studies in the area have generally been confounded by the diel foraging patterns of stream macroinvertebrates. With this project, we hope to parse out the amount of invertebrate drift that can be attributed to macroinvertebrate foraging forcing prey into the water column, versus prey drift in the absence of actively foraging predators. Understanding why invertebrates drift mainly at night, and the mechanism for the drift will aid in trying to understand the trophic dynamics of stream ecosystems. Nine experimental channels (each approximately .5ft X 5ft) will be placed on an existing cement apron in Convict Creek, and will be lined with substrate collected from the stream bottom. Differing types of invertebrate predator taxa will be placed in the channels, resulting in 3 treatments. Patterns of invertebrate drift from these channels will be measured. To do this, stream macroinvertebrates must be collected and preserved from the channels for later identification and count. These samples will be small, the equivalent of collecting the stream invertebrates from 1-2 square meters of stream bottom. At the conclusion of the experiment, the channels will be removed, and the substrate will be replaced in Convict Creek.

Visit #14561 @Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory

Approved

Under Project # 9575 | Research

An investigation of the causes of invertebrate drift periodicity

graduate_student - University of California, Davis

Reservation Members(s)

Bruce Hammock Aug 23 - Sep 23, 2008 (32 days)
Bruce Hammock Aug 23 - Sep 23, 2008 (32 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Q3 2 Aug 23 - Sep 23, 2008