Benthic Invertebrate Distribution in Relation to Current Velocity in Little Niagara Creek

Abstract

The distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates is an important factor underlying stream function and health. Invertebrates are a critical component of aquatic food webs and provide food for aquatic and terrestrial organisms (Cuffney et al. 1993). They also break down dead organic matter, recycle nutrients, and are indicators of pollutants (Voshell & Bartlett 2002). Stream current influences a variety of ecological processes that can affect benthic invertebrates performance, distribution, and abundance. These processes include dispersal, resource acquisition, habitat use, and the outcome of biotic interactions (Hart & Finelli 1999). We did this study to learn how current velocity influenced macroinvertebrate distributions in Little Niagara Creek.