Macro-invertebrate diversity in five inter-dunal wetlands at Sturgeon Bay.

Abstract

In conclusion, we could not find a relationship between diversity and any parameter we measured. We do not, however, accept the null hypothesis that diversity and richness are not dependent on age, water characteristics, or depth. Perhaps if we had studied more characteristics of the wetlands we would have found a relationship. For instance, perhaps the swales with the greatest diversity and richness is correlated with calcium concentrations (which is a limiting factor of many macro invertebrates) or alkalinity of the water. Species diversity and richness could be related to dune succession. Many of the organisms live under vegetation and debris, and different vegetation was present at different swales. As the age of the swales increase, the vegetation surrounding the swale develops from grasses to shrubs and trees. The macro-invertebrates in the younger swales could be those that can tolerate the grass refuge, while the older swales may contain those that thrive in tree and shrub debris as refuge. Rather than finding a general trend for diversity, we think that the presence of several macro-invertebrates indicated individual preference.