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The River Continuum Concept is based on the idea that a watercourse is an open ecosystem that is in constant interaction with the
bank, and moving from source to mouth, constantly changing.[4] Basis for this change in the overall system is due to the gradual
change of physical environmental conditions such as the width, depth, water, flow characteristics, temperature, and the complexity
of the water. According to Vannote's hypothesis, which is based on the physical geomorphological theory, structural and functional
characteristics of stream communities are selected to conform to the most probable position or mean state of the physical system.
[5]
As a river changes from headwaters to the lower reaches, there will be a change in the relationship between the production and
consumption (respiration) of the material (P/R ratio).
Shredders
Shredders are organisms that feed off of coarse particulate organic material(CPOM) such as small sections of leaves. They ingest
the organic matter along with volunteer organisms (fungi, microorganisms) attached to the source. The preferred size of the CPOM
is about one millimeter, therefore shredders must break it up into a finer particulate. In the process of shredding, much of the now
finer organic matter is left in the system, making its way further downstream.[7] Some common shredders of North American waters
include the Mayfly (Ephemeroptera), Odonata (damselflies) and stone fly (Plecoptera) larvae, whereas decapods (particularly Atyid
shrimp) fulfill the same role in tropical environments.
Collectors
Collector organisms are designated by their use of traps or other adaptive features to filter and catch organic matter. The preferred
particle size for collectors lies between 0.5 and 50 micrometers (UPOM = Ultrafine particulate organic matter and FPOM = fine
particulate organic matter). This group includes fly larvae, nematodes, and many other animal groups.[8]
Grazers
The grazers (scrapers) feed off of periphyton that accumulates on larger structures such as stones, wood or large aquatic plants.
These include snails, caddisflies (Glossosoma genus), and other organisms.[9]
Because in the structure of organic matter at different sections in a river, the make up and frequency of these groups in a community
vary. In the upper reaches of a river, shredders and collectors make up a large percentage of total macroinvertebrates due to the
excess presence of coarse plant matter. In the midreaches of a stream or river, where more light is available, there is an increase in
the proportion of grazers due to the presence of periphyton. Shredders only make up a small percentage of the total invertebrates
due to the lack of coarse organic matter making its way downstream. In the lower reaches, organic matter has been shredded
completely to the level of FPOM or UPOM (Ultra-fine Particulate Organic Matter). Due to the increase in fine particulate organic
matter, collectors are the most abundant in the lower reaches, feeding off organic matter and surface films. The proportion of
predators in all sections remains largely constant and only changes in species composition. The reason for the even distribution is
that predators are not dependent on the size of the organic matter but on the availability of prey animals in the area. [10] Atypical
changes in the composition of these groups of organisms within a watercourse, such as an increased number of choppers in a
major river area (mid to lower reach) or a lack of these organisms in the upper reaches, suggest a possible disturbance. [11]
Contributing factors
The continuous changes down the water route are due to various factors. As described above, at its beginning, the river is very
strongly influenced by material from outside the system, especially organic material which is consumed by various
macroinvertebrates (mainly shredders). As you go further down the system there is an increase in autochthonous (i.e., within the
system) production of organic material such as periphyton. The extent of this production varies depending on the amount of sunlight
present. The last area is less dependent on the outside but still very much influenced by the degradation processes. In a continuous
system without interference, such as by inflows, this development is possible in all river systems, with some variations occurring due
to seasonal changes and other environmental factors (especially temperature).[15]