Detritus Processing by Macroinvertebrates in Stream Ecosystems

摘要: The detritus pathway is that in which plant or animal material dies and then attacked by microorganisms. More of the energy fixed autotrophic organisms probably transferred through this route than grazing (98). Detritus cannot be precisely defined terms its chemical composition associated As an operational definition, Boling et al (16) it as all particulate (>0.45-μm particle diameter) organic matter (reduced carbon compounds) together with microbiota—fungi, bacteria, protozoa, other microinvertebrates. Microbes are included part because relationship between them substrate so intimate independence never observed nature; also, efficient separation techniques applicable to field-collected nonexistent. role aquatic ecosystems was discussed two recent symposia (1, 109). Studies biological decomposition interdisciplinary nature were a theme International Biological Programs freshwater, marine, terrestrial projects (1). Thus, upsurge interest topic, timely review contributions, especiajly on