Macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups in Kenyan highland streams: evidence for a diverse shredder guild

Masese, Frank O.; Kitaka, Nzula; Kipkemboi, Julius; Gettel, Gretchen M.; Irvine, Kenneth; McClain, Michael E.

doi:10.1086/675681

Cited by 121 publications

(106 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…This supports our selection of 10 individuals per site/season and demonstrates that the 250+ individuals sampled per species gave very high sampling completeness. Although some studies using visual gut content analysis have sampled over 1,000 predator individuals (Woodward & Hildrew, ), most studies are restricted to small sample sizes due to processing times (e.g., Masese et al., ; n = 61 individuals; Bo, Fenoglio, Malacarne, Pessino, & Sgariboldi, n = 60). In our study, a high degree of sampling completeness was achieved with relatively few predatory individuals.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effects of pastoral intensification on the feeding interactions of generalist predators in streams

et al. 2017

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Land‐use change can alter trophic interactions with wide‐ranging functional consequences, yet the consequences for aquatic food webs have been little studied. In part, this may reflect the challenges of resolving the diets of aquatic organisms using classical gut contents analysis, especially for soft‐bodied prey. We used next‐generation sequencing to resolve prey use in nearly 400 individuals of two predatory invertebrates (the Caddisfly, Rhyacophila dorsalis, and the Stonefly Dinocras cephalotes) in streams draining land with increasingly intensive livestock farming. Rhyacophila dorsalis occurred in all streams, whereas D. cephalotes was restricted to low intensities, allowing us to test whether: (i) apparent sensitivity to agriculture in the latter species reflects a more specialized diet and (ii) diet in R. dorsalis varied between sites with and without D. cephalotes. DNA was extracted from dissected gut contents, amplified without blocking probes and sequenced using Ion Torrent technology. Both predators were generalists, consuming 30 prey taxa with a preference for taxa that were abundant in all streams or that increased with intensification. Where both predators were present, their diets were nearly identical, and R. dorsalis's diet was virtually unchanged in the absence of D. cephalotes. The loss of D. cephalotes from more intensive sites was probably due to physicochemical stressors, such as sedimentation, rather than to dietary specialization, although wider biotic factors (e.g., competition with other predatory taxa) could not be excluded. This study provides a uniquely detailed description of predator diets along a land‐use intensity gradient, offering new insights into how anthropogenic stressors affect stream communities.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effects of pastoral intensification on the feeding interactions of generalist predators in streams

et al. 2017

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“…Fish and shrimp can also reduce macroinvertebrate densities, as many are insectivorous (Pringle & Hamazaki, 1998). Macroinvertebrates, a term which refers to invertebrates excluding shrimp in this study, are also important in restricting periphyton growth (Feminella & Hawkins, 1995;Steinman, 1996;Moulton et al, 2015) and breaking down organic matter (Cheshire et al, 2005;Masese et al, 2014). Therefore, fish and shrimp may have an indirect impact on ecosystem functions by reducing macroinvertebrate densities.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Benthic community structure and ecosystem functions in above- and below-waterfall pools in Borneo

et al. 2016

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Waterfalls are geomorphic features that often partition streams into discrete zones. Our study examined aquatic communities, litter decomposition and periphyton growth rates for above-and belowwaterfall pools in Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei. We observed higher fish densities in belowwaterfall pools (0.24 fish m -2 vs. 0.02 fish m -2 in above-waterfall pools) and higher shrimp abundance in above-waterfall pools (eight shrimp/pool vs. less than one shrimp/pool in below-waterfall pools). However, macroinvertebrate densities (excluding shrimp) were similar among both pool types. Ambient periphyton was higher in below-waterfall pools in 2013 (4.3 vs. 2.8 g m -2 in above-waterfall pools) and 2014 (4.8 vs. 3.4 g m -2 in above-waterfall pools), while periphyton growth rates varied from 0.05 to 0.26 g m -2 days -1 and were significantly higher in below-waterfall pools in 2014. Leaf litter decomposition rates (0.001 to 0.024 days -1 ) did not differ between pool types, suggesting that neither shrimp nor fish densities had consistent impacts on this ecosystem function. Regardless, this research demonstrates the varied effects of biotic and abiotic factors on community structure and ecosystem function. Our results have highlighted the importance of discontinuities, such as waterfalls, in tropical streams.

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“…Second, vegetation height was recorded, as it affects both aquatic and on-shore species that rely on riparian vegetation [31]. Third, the scouts recorded the canopy cover, as a greater canopy equals cooler water and more macro-invertebrates [32]. Fourth, the scouts observed benthic particle size as compared between sites.…”

Section: Methods and Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrated STEM: Focus on Informal Education and Community Collaboration through Engineering

et al. 2018

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This article showcases STEM as an interdisciplinary field in which the disciplines strengthen and support each other (not as separate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines). The authors focus on an open-ended, complex problem-water quality-as the primary teaching and learning task. The participants, middle school female students (aged 9-15 years), interacted in an informal educational setting (i.e., Girl Scouts) on a research project investigating river quality following the river's restoration. The community, including Girl Scout participants, leaders, parents, university faculty, graduate students, and others, utilized an action research (AR) approach when interacting with the participants. Methods such as observational field notes, focus groups, and collected artifacts were commonly employed. The authors describe the history of STEM and AR leading to authentic science research projects through eight engineering skills/practices (incorporating science, technology, and mathematics) and showcase participant interactions, implementation, and community engagement in the STEM water quality river project. Findings indicate that informal engineering based projects can serve as opportunities for participants to connect with integrated STEM. Implications include the need for engaging participants in informal authentic science to support traditional school STEM learning and encouraging community engagement in integrated STEM to support traditional K-12 classroom instruction.

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Macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups in Kenyan highland streams: evidence for a diverse shredder guild

Abstract: BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses.

Cited by 121 publications

References 42 publications

The effects of pastoral intensification on the feeding interactions of generalist predators in streams

The effects of pastoral intensification on the feeding interactions of generalist predators in streams

Benthic community structure and ecosystem functions in above- and below-waterfall pools in Borneo

Integrated STEM: Focus on Informal Education and Community Collaboration through Engineering

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