A comparison of macro-invertebrate diversity: aquifer-fed streams versus surface-flowing streams.

Abstract

Two major ecosystems can often differ immensely in biotic content and diversity when one major input of the ecosystem is varied. In aquatic ecosystems, differences such as source of flow, depth, temperature, and nutrient levels create many distinct microhabitats that result in very distinct animal and plant communities. To identify other possible influences on diversity and richness, we investigated abiotic factors of the system. We predicted that dissolved oxygen levels, current speed, pH, conductivity, and water temperature will display no correlation with distance from the source of each stream. If the abiotic factors do vary along the stream, we predict that these fluctuations will not be correlated to diversity or richness. However, we expected that macroinvertebrate richness and diversity would be positively correlated with phosphate levels since this is the limiting resource in many aquatic ecosystems.