Functional Feeding Groups of Aquatic Insects

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is biofilm primarily composed of?

Algae, bacteria, fungi, and protozoans (correct)

Algae and larger aquatic animals

Only algae and plants

Only bacteria and fungi

What role do grazers and scrapers play in the aquatic ecosystem?

They serve as predators for aquatic insects

They filter food particles from the water

They primarily feed on larger fish

They scrape and feed on biofilm and algae (correct)

What do shredders primarily feed on?

Detritus from dead animals

Live aquatic organisms

Biofilm and algae

Vegetation that has fallen into the water (correct)

What distinguishes collector/gatherers from other aquatic insects?

They primarily scavenge for dead organisms and detritus. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of filter-feeders?

They filter food particles from the water current. Signup and view all the answers

Which group of invertebrates are considered predators in both larval and adult stages?

Dragonflies and water beetles Signup and view all the answers

How do water boatmen differ from water beetles?

Water boatmen are true bugs, while water beetles are not. Signup and view all the answers

What type of mouthparts do grazing animals possess to feed on biofilm?

Rasping mouthparts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of biofilm?

Amphibians Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary food source for collector/gatherers?

Dead organisms and detritus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following animals is NOT a predator in the aquatic ecosystem?

Caddisfly larva Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms contributes to the formation of biofilm?

Algae Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a characteristic of filter-feeders?

They extract food from water currents Signup and view all the answers

What role do shredders play in the aquatic ecosystem?

They break down large pieces of vegetation into smaller particles Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between water beetles and water boatmen?

Water beetles are true beetles, while water boatmen are true bugs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of grazers and scrapers?

They have specialized mouthparts for scraping algae off surfaces Signup and view all the answers

Which of these organisms is NOT directly involved in the breakdown of dead organic matter?

Dragonfly Larva Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the protective casing built by caddisfly larva?

To provide shelter and protection from predators Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functional Feeding Groups

Aquatic insects and macroinvertebrates are categorized into functional feeding groups based on their feeding habits.
Biofilm: A complex community of algae, bacteria, fungi, and protozoans living in a matrix of secretions. Algae conduct photosynthesis. Bacteria, fungi, and single-celled organisms feed on algae secretions. Detritus and other organic materials in the matrix also provide food. Algae contribute to the reddish-brown substance on rocks.
Grazers/Scrapers: These animals specialize in feeding on biofilm and algae, scraping it off rocks and vegetation using rasping mouthparts. Examples include caddisfly larvae and freshwater snails. Some caddisflies create protective casings from stones cemented together with silk.
Shredders: These insects feed on fallen vegetation, ripping and shredding leaves. They use tearing mouthparts and some use shredded leaf pieces to create protective casings, such as caddisfly larvae.
Collector/Gatherers: These insects primarily scavenge for dead organisms, detritus, or other food particles lodged between rocks or in deep pools. Examples include stonefly larvae, mayfly larvae, and caddisfly larvae.
Filter-Feeders: These organisms filter out particles from water either by swimming or sitting still and filtering. They often consume pieces of vegetation and detritus dislodged by other organisms. Examples include hydra, amphipods, copepods, and mayfly nymphs. Some filter-feeders are predatory feeding on live organisms that drift in the current.
Predators: Some invertebrate species are predators in both their larval and adult stages. They consume other aquatic insects, tadpoles, and even small fish. Examples include dragonfly larvae, water beetles (larvae and adults), water striders, and dobsonfly larvae. Water boatmen, though similar to water beetles in behaviour, are actually true bugs. Predators may hunt either in the water or on the water surface.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the different functional feeding groups that categorize aquatic insects and macroinvertebrates based on their feeding habits. Learn about biofilm, grazers, shredders, and collectors, and how they interact with their environment and each other. This quiz will deepen your understanding of aquatic ecosystems and their inhabitants.