Senior Project Advisor

Bodensteiner, Leo R., 1957-

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Spring 2007

Keywords

Stream macroinvertebrated, Ephemeroptera, Stream ecosystems

Abstract

Sculpins are one of the most abundant fishes in Pacific coastal streams and lakes, but they remain understudied despite potentially significant impacts to stream ecology. The poor swimming ability of sculpins limits their range by inhibiting passage of barriers passable to other fishes. Sculpins are voracious eaters and feed primarily on stream invertebrates. By sampling invertebrates in reaches of stream above and below a sculpin barrier, this study examined the impact sculpin presence had on the stream invertebrate community. Invertebrates were sampled in riffles using a Serber sampler (n = 4). The results showed that the presences of sculpins had a significant impact on the abundances of stream macroinvertebrates. Abundances of Ephemeroptera were dramatically lower in the presence of sculpins. This study warrants further research of greater scope and depth to more accurately determine the effect of sculpins on stream ecosystems.

Department

Environmental Sciences

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Sculpins--Food--Washington (State)--Chuckanut Creek; Stream ecology--Washington (State)--Chuckanut Creek; Predation (Biology)--Washington (State)--Chuckanut Creek

Geographic Coverage

Chuckanut Creek (Wash.)

Genre/Form

student projects; term papers

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Rights Statement

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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