Density dependent scavenging of aquatic insects in a dune ecosystem

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to determine if scavenging of aquatic insects in a dune ecosystem is density dependent, and from where in the dunes scavengers prefer to obtain their food. Dead aquatic insects were placed out in different density groupings and habitats within the dune ecosystem. Samples were weighed before and after a scavenging period of 24 hours. The difference between these values was used as the amount scavenged from a given sample. Our data showed a trend of scavengers having a slight preference for higher densities of aquatic insects, however this trend was not found to be statistically significant.