ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
biomass size spectra
;
area–weight relationships
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The absence of a rapid and inexpensive method for estimating macroinvertebrate individual biomass is a limit to the study of freshwater communities, given that traditional methods are time- and money-consuming. We propose an inexpensive method to quickly estimate individual biomass from video-recorded images of pond macroinvertebrates. We used a software that automatically measures several body dimensions (area, perimeter, minor and major axes) on each individual and linear regression to relate these body dimensions to dry weight. Area was found to be the best predictor of dry weight. The method allows individual measures of macroinvertebrates at a reasonable speed and accuracy, and may be useful for biomass size spectra or secondary production studies.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1004153703748
