02/01/2023
Aquatic entomology - a microscopic look at life below the surface.
Aquatic invertebrates have highly complex and diverse life cycles. This has allowed them to adapt to many different environments and ecosystems. The aquatic invertebrate fauna is often used as an indicator for ecosystem health. Abundance, diversity and, biomechanics are some of the crucial details that help define the overall health. Aquatic insects must master three different niche’s in order to have a successful life; reproduce and pass on their genetic material. They must master the substrate found at the bottom of the water column, middle to surface of the water column and, the surrounding terrestrial environment. This makes for a pretty rough life considering every other organism found in each of these specific niche’s is trying to constantly eat you.
So, how do they survive without experiencing population collapse?
Aquatic invertebrates are what biologist call r-strategist. This is a term used to define a species reproductive path. R-strategist shoot for maximum reproductive capacity, provide little to no parental care and, live in unstable environments. Reaching maximum reproductive capacity gives that species a better chance at continuing their lineage and evolutionary journey. Other species belonging to the r-strategist category are, turtles, fish, cats and, insects.
Aquatic invertebrates are some of the most diverse fauna on Earth. They are crucial for a healthy aquatic ecosystem and this is important because, our freshwater is one of the most important resources we have on this planet. Understanding aquatic entomology not only makes you a better fisherman but it helps you understand environmental changes and, what you can do to help reduce our impact on these ecosystems.
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