Longitudinal distribution of the functional feeding groups (FFGs) of aquatic macroinvertebrates and ecosystem integrity of Tokwe River, Zimbabwe
Knowledge of functional feeding groups (FFGs) is key in understanding energy flow and matter transfer in lotic systems. The River Continuum Concept (RCC) model attempts to capture this flow by looking at the distribution of FFGs. The FFGs approach is informative because it allows assessment of the...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | research article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
International Network for Natural Sciences (INNSpub)
2022
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/5317 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338690230_Longitudinal_distribution_of_the_functional_feeding_groups_FFGs_of_aquatic_macroinvertebrates_and_ecosystem_integrity_of_Tokwe_River_Zimbabwe |
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| Summary: | Knowledge of functional feeding groups (FFGs) is key in understanding energy flow and matter transfer in lotic
systems. The River Continuum Concept (RCC) model attempts to capture this flow by looking at the distribution
of FFGs. The FFGs approach is informative because it allows assessment of the degree to which invertebrates in
streams are dependent upon particular nutritional resource/s. We assessed the ecosystem integrity of Tokwe
River, Zimbabwe, and whether it conforms to the RCC by analyzing macroinvertebrates from three zones along
the river. A total of 2 172 specimens belonging to five feeding groups (FFGs) were collected. Filters were the
dominant group in all zones with proportions of 37.7%, 53.1%, and 53.2% in the upstream, inundated and
downstream zones, respectively. Predators (33.9% upstream) and collector-gatherers (25.9% inundated, 32.9%
downstream) were second in frequency. Shredders were the least represented in all zones (< 3.1%). The highest
proportion of filters (53.1%) and shredders (3.1%) occurred in inundated zones. Predator population was
generally but insignificantly correlated to prey (p > 0.05). Scraper’s contribution was significantly lower in the
inundated than in other environments (p < 0.05). All zones were strongly heterotrophic, non-performing and
overburdened with predators although channel stability was high, hence high proportion of filters. The study
showed that the distribution of FFG was not in conformity to the RCC but had tenants of Hierarchical Patch
Distribution model which was modified by elements of the Flood Pulse model, and that ecosystem integrity and
health are highly compromised by anthropogenic activities |
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