Bioindicators Flashcards
These are living organisms that provide information about the health of an ecosystem
Biodindicators
Biondicators exhibit responses to these
Stressors/pollutants
Does sampling bioindicators or sampling water quality periodically give a better indication of long-term water quality?
Sampling bioindicators
What is the assumption for using bioindicators?
If conditions are suitable for indicator species, the rest of the species and state of the watershed should be suitable
What are 3 of 5 characteristics of biondicators?
- Lower food chain placement; 2. Narrow tolerance to change; 3. Native species; 4. Restricted range; 5. Public image
What are two examples of species that are known to be bioindicators?
Caddisflies and orangethroat darters
What are three levels of biondicator assessment?
- Single species; 2. Group of species; 3. Species and physical/chemical factors
What are three characteristics of benthic macroinvertebrates?
- Inhabit the benthic zone; 2. Large enough to be seen with naked eye; 3. Lack backbone
What are four reasons why benthic macroinvertebrates are one of the most commonly sampled biota?
- Indicate both aquatic and terrestrial habitat; 2. Each part of their lifecycle is spent in different habitats; 3. Lack of migration; 4. Integration of conditions over time at a specific site
What are 3 of 5 advantages of sampling benthic macroinvertebrates?
- Sensitive to point and nonpoint source pollution; 2. Short life cycles; 3. Diversity of species with range of responses; 4. Sampling methods are simple; 5. Occur in lower trophic levels
What are three disadvantages to sampling benthic macroinvertebrates?
- Not responsive to all pollution; 2. Abundance varies seasonally; 3. Require experience to identify
What are three examples of highly sensitive macroinvertebrates?
Mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies
What are three examples of moderately sensitive macroinvertebrates?
Crayfish, dragonflies, alderflies
What are three examples of tolerant macroinvertebrates?
Black flies, leeches, aquatic worms
At what two times of year is macroinvertebrate sampling done?
Spring and fall
What part of the stream is sampled for macroinvertebrates?
Riffle
What kind of substrate is preferred for sampling macroinvertebrates?
Gravel