TITLE PAGE - acumen - The University of Alabama
TITLE PAGE - acumen - The University of Alabama TITLE PAGE - acumen - The University of Alabama
Simon K.S., Pipan T. & Culver D.C. (2007) A conceptual model of the flow and distribution of organic carbon in caves. Journal of Cave and Karst Studies, 69, 279-284. Sinton L.W. (1984) The macroinvertebrates in a sewage-polluted aquifer. Hydrobiologia, 119, 161-169. Sket B. (1999) The nature of biodiversity in hypogean waters and how it is endangered. Biodiversity and Conservation, 8, 1319-1338. Smith G.A., Nickels J.S., Kerger B.D., Davis J.D., Collins S.P., Wilson J.T., Mcnabb J.F. & White D.C. (1986) Quantitative characterization of microbial biomass and community structure in subsurface material: a prokaryotic consortium responsive to organic contamination. Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 32, 104-111. Van Brahana J. (2003) Aquifers, Karst. In: Encyclopedia of Water Science. (Eds B.A. Stewart & T.A. Howell), pp. 37-40. Marcel Dekker, New York, New York, U.S.A. Wilkens H., Culver D.C. & Humphreys W.F. (2001) Ecosystems of the World; Subterranean Ecosystems, Elsevier, New York, New York, U.S.A. 5
CHAPTER 2 EFFECTS OF ORGANIC MATTER AND SEASON ON LEAF LITTER COLONIZATION AND BREAKDOWN IN CAVE STREAMS Abstract Low organic matter availability is thought to be a primary factor influencing evolutionary and ecological processes in cave ecosystems. Links among organic matter abundance, macroinvertebrate community structure and breakdown rates of red maple (Acer rubrum) and corn litter (Zea mays) in coarse- (10 × 8 mm) and fine-mesh (500-µm) litter bags over two seasonal periods were examined in four cave streams in the southeastern U.S.A. Organic matter abundance differed among cave streams, averaging from near zero to 850 g ash-free dry mass m - 2 . Each cave system harboured a different macroinvertebrate community. However, community structure was similar among caves, with low shredder biomass (2-17% of total biomass). Corn litter breakdown rates (mean k = 0.005 d -1 ) were faster than red maple (mean k = 0.003 d -1 ). Breakdown rates in coarse-mesh bags (k = 0.001-0.012 d -1 ) were up to three times faster than in fine-mesh bags (k = 0.001-0.004 d -1 ). Neither invertebrate biomass in litter bags nor breakdown rates were correlated with the ambient abundance of organic matter. Litter breakdown rates showed no significant temporal variation. Epigean (surface-adapted) invertebrates dominated biomass in litter bags, suggesting that their effects on cave ecosystem processes may be greater than hypogean (cave-adapted) taxa, the traditional focus of cave studies. The functional diversity of cave communities and litter breakdown rates are broadly similar to those found in previous litter breakdown studies in cave streams, suggesting that the factors that control organic 6
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CHAPTER 2<br />
EFFECTS OF ORGANIC MATTER AND SEASON ON LEAF LITTER COLONIZATION<br />
AND BREAKDOWN IN CAVE STREAMS<br />
Abstract<br />
Low organic matter availability is thought to be a primary factor influencing evolutionary and<br />
ecological processes in cave ecosystems. Links among organic matter abundance,<br />
macroinvertebrate community structure and breakdown rates <strong>of</strong> red maple (Acer rubrum) and<br />
corn litter (Zea mays) in coarse- (10 × 8 mm) and fine-mesh (500-µm) litter bags over two<br />
seasonal periods were examined in four cave streams in the southeastern U.S.A. Organic matter<br />
abundance differed among cave streams, averaging from near zero to 850 g ash-free dry mass m -<br />
2 . Each cave system harboured a different macroinvertebrate community. However, community<br />
structure was similar among caves, with low shredder biomass (2-17% <strong>of</strong> total biomass). Corn<br />
litter breakdown rates (mean k = 0.005 d -1 ) were faster than red maple (mean k = 0.003 d -1 ).<br />
Breakdown rates in coarse-mesh bags (k = 0.001-0.012 d -1 ) were up to three times faster than in<br />
fine-mesh bags (k = 0.001-0.004 d -1 ). Neither invertebrate biomass in litter bags nor breakdown<br />
rates were correlated with the ambient abundance <strong>of</strong> organic matter. Litter breakdown rates<br />
showed no significant temporal variation. Epigean (surface-adapted) invertebrates dominated<br />
biomass in litter bags, suggesting that their effects on cave ecosystem processes may be greater<br />
than hypogean (cave-adapted) taxa, the traditional focus <strong>of</strong> cave studies. <strong>The</strong> functional diversity<br />
<strong>of</strong> cave communities and litter breakdown rates are broadly similar to those found in previous<br />
litter breakdown studies in cave streams, suggesting that the factors that control organic<br />
6
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