Macro-habitat influences on micro-habitats: induced diversity on benthic organisms of the Maple River.

Abstract

This study presents an assessment of the effects of biotic and abiotic variables upon benthic macroinvertebrate populations within leaf packs found in the Maple River, Emmet County, Michigan. Our predictions stated that riparian communities can affect the leaf pack composition, and leaf pack composition (leaf species as well as abiotic attributes) directly affects abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrates in those leaf packs. Step-wise regression showed correlation between diversity and carbon content of misc. CPOM and weight of Populus grandidentata; total number of indivudals was correlated to conductivity and weight of Acer spp. Several other variables were correlated to individual orders of macro invertebrates. All of these correlations support the idea that abiotic and biotic factors within leaf packs affect macro invertebrate populations; however, the correlative nature of this study necessitates future research into these relationships as we cannot definitively confirm or deny their influences upon the benthic community.