Open AccessThe rate of downstream displacement of macroinvertebrates in the upper Wye, Wales
Author(s) -
Hemsworth R. J.,
Brooker M. P.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
ecography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.973
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1600-0587
pISSN - 0906-7590
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0587.1979.tb00692.x
Subject(s) - benthic zone , invertebrate , displacement (psychology) , environmental science , ecology , hydrology (agriculture) , geology , biology , geotechnical engineering , psychology , psychotherapist
Quantitative data describing drift rates and benthic density of macroinvertebrates are utilised to estimate the rates of downstream displacement of invertebrate populations in the Wye, Wales. Calculations are based upon two models, one a classical exponential relationship between drift catch and distance travelled and the other derived from a solute balance equation. Results from the two models were significantly correlated. Estimates of the rate of benthic community displacement ranged from 2.8 to 70.7 m d ‐1 , with highest rates recorded in she summer period. There were considerable differences in rates between taxa and between sites. It was estimated that a displacement of 10 km downstream could be achieved by certain taxa during a generation period.