Seasonal and spatial variation of stream macroinvertebrate taxonomic and functional diversity across three boreal regions

Abstract

1. The exploration of biodiversity has predominantly been based on taxonomic measures, whereas functional diversity, a key component of biodiversity, is comparatively understudied. Therefore, studies simultaneously investigating patterns of taxonomic and functional diversity change in biological communities are of increasing interest.2. We collated high-resolution macroinvertebrate and environmental data from 70 boreal headwater stream sites across three European countries (Germany, Finland, Sweden) to (1) investigate seasonal variation in taxonomic diversity, functional diversity, and redundancy, and (2) identify their potential drivers of spatial and seasonal variation.3. Seasonal changes in boreal macroinvertebrate taxonomic diversity were decoupled from changes in functional diversity. Seasonal shifts in environmental conditions, including acidity and nutrient variability, drove fluctuations in taxonomic diversity which were far more pronounced than those of functional diversity.4. Seasonal shifts in environmental conditions including variation in the quantity, quality, and state of organic carbon (dissolved vs particulate) facilitate an exchange of taxa, leading to taxonomically unique communities that exploit the pool of available

Trophic niche patterns of endangered Sandelia bainsii and Amatolacypris trevelyani in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: Insights from stable isotope analysis

“…For example, the differential importance of allochthonous and autochthonous organic input, coupled by spatial variation in habitat patch dynamics and geophysical processes in stream flow (Zatkos et al, 2021), often creates spatial filtering that is reflected by differences in the diversity and composition of macroinvertebrates functional groups (Baker et al, 2023; Schmera et al, 2013). Similarly, temporal gradients in headwater stream food webs, which are often attributed to seasonal differences in aspects such as photosynthesis‐driven metabolism and temperature‐driven phenological requirements of higher heterotrophic groups (Brett et al, 2017), culminate in temporal variability in community structure and functional interrelationships (Baker et al, 2023). Recent studies within the AWHE have largely demonstrated the importance of temporal heterogeneity in both functional composition and food web dynamics of the headwater streams (Kambikambi et al, 2019a; Matomela et al, 2021).…”

“…Generally, research has shown that headwater stream food webs are spatially and temporally heterogeneous largely due to the dichotomy of the relative importance of allochthonous and autochthonous production (Ishikawa et al, 2014; Neres‐Lima et al, 2017; Reid et al, 2008), which ultimately influences aspects such as food web metabolism, and the structural composition, functional interrelationships and physiological requirements of higher trophic groups, such as invertebrates and fishes (Brett et al, 2017; Dudgeon et al, 2010). For example, the differential importance of allochthonous and autochthonous organic input, coupled by spatial variation in habitat patch dynamics and geophysical processes in stream flow (Zatkos et al, 2021), often creates spatial filtering that is reflected by differences in the diversity and composition of macroinvertebrates functional groups (Baker et al, 2023; Schmera et al, 2013). Similarly, temporal gradients in headwater stream food webs, which are often attributed to seasonal differences in aspects such as photosynthesis‐driven metabolism and temperature‐driven phenological requirements of higher heterotrophic groups (Brett et al, 2017), culminate in temporal variability in community structure and functional interrelationships (Baker et al, 2023).…”

Water quality shapes the community structure of zoobenthos in rivers but only has a minor effect on the fatty acid composition of zoobenthos and salmonids

“…Increased concentration of DOC can reduce the abundance and biodiversity of zoobenthos communities (Arzel et al, 2020; Brüsecke et al, 2022) but some taxa, such as mayfly Baetis and Chironomidae might even benefit from it (Bellamy et al, 2019; Robbins et al, 2020). The concentration of DOC (especially humic matter) also decreases the pH (Oliver et al, 1983), which has been found to drive the taxonomical diversity of zoobenthos communities, together with nutrient availability (Baker et al, 2022; Heino et al, 2003). Similarly to our observation on river benthos, terrestrial DOC also contributes to the differences in the zoobenthos community structure among boreal lakes (Kesti et al, 2021; Strandberg et al, 2023).…”

Assessing the Impact of Insect Decline in Islands: Exploring the Diversity and Community Patterns of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Arthropods in the Azores Native Forest over 10 Years

“…These temporal changes, resulting from the complex relationship between the effects of biotic and abiotic conditions on communities, are called "noise" [23]. While seasonal variation in community structure and composition is a complex area of research, several studies worldwide have examined seasonal patterns in arthropod taxa, with a predominant focus on arthropod conservation (see, e.g., [24][25][26]).…”