Download Macroinvertebrate Inventory

Macroinvertebrate Inventory
Name _________________________ Per _____
Aquatic Macroinvertebrate are small but not microscopic creatures without a backbone. Some
examples are mosquito larvae, snails, and crayfish. They are an important link in the food chain and are
good indicators of overall stream health. A stream ecosystem with high biodiversity (lots of different
kinds of life) is healthier than one with little diversity. To find macroinvertebrates, look under rocks or
other debris in the stream like sticks. Stirring the sediments and gravel will often dislodge them and
they can be captured in a net.
Define Macroinvertebrate and give 2 examples not listed above:
Type
#
Taxa
Define Biodiversity:
Circle your best estimate for the creek’s biodiversity of macro’s:
low
medium
high
Detailed sketches of 2 macroinvertebrates from the key (may be ones you found or not)
1)
2)
Judging from the way they look, what do you think macroinvertebrates eat? What types of animals
could eat them?