Small-scale patch complexity, benthic invertebrate colonisation and leaf breakdown in three headwater streams in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

摘要: We assessed the effects of patch complexity on benthic macroinvertebrate colonisation and leaf breakdown in three headwater streams Kaimai Range, New Zealand. used types: complex, disturbed, unaltered control patches, measured macroinvertebrates rates within each patch. hypothesised would be highest complex patches lowest disturbed patches. With exception percentage total shredders, no differences were found diversity or community structure treatment effect was evident for rates. While this may suggest influence breakdown, we cannot discount unmeasured site-specific influences, such as a high flow event, which occurred during period, clear between streams. Higher spatiotemporal replication more appropriate seasonal sampling required to further explore ...