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The Role of Invertebrates on Leaf Litter Decomposition in Streams - a Review

2001; Wiley; Volume: 86; Issue: 4-5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/1522-2632(200107)86

1522-2632

Manuel A. S. Graça,

Fish Ecology and Management Studies

International Review of HydrobiologyVolume 86, Issue 4-5 p. 383-393 II. Leaf Litter Processing and Invertebrates: Original Paper The Role of Invertebrates on Leaf Litter Decomposition in Streams – a Review Manuel A.S. Graça, Manuel A.S. Graça [email protected] Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004–517 Coimbra, PortugalSearch for more papers by this author Manuel A.S. Graça, Manuel A.S. Graça [email protected] Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade de Coimbra, 3004–517 Coimbra, PortugalSearch for more papers by this author First published: 30 July 2001 https://doi.org/10.1002/1522-2632(200107)86:4/5 3.0.CO;2-DCitations: 535AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Abstract Leaves entering low order streams are subject to physical abrasion, microbial degradation and invertebrate fragmentation. Aquatic invertebrates feeding on leaves are known as shredders and their densities tend to be correlated with the spatial and temporal accumulation of organic matter in streams. Shredders discriminate among the variety of leaves normally found in the stream; this discrimination may be related to differences in leaf toughness, plant nutrient content of leaves and the presence of secondary compounds. Shredders also consume leaves preferentially after the establishment of a well-developed microbial community. This preference may be the result of changes in leaf matrix carried out by the microbial community or the presence of fungal hyphae with a higher nutrition value than the leaves themselves. The immediate consequence of invertebrate feeding on leaves is the incorporation of plant material into secondary production and the fragmentation of leaves. The relative importance of fungi and invertebrates in the decomposition process depends upon the density of shredders, which, in turn, may depend on litter accumulation in streams. Therefore, the type of riparian vegetation has the potential to control the diversity and abundance of shredders and changes in riparian vegetation have the potential to affect the assemblages of aquatic invertebrates. Citing Literature Volume86, Issue4-5July 2001Pages 383-393 RelatedInformation