Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
1977
Thesis Director
L. Stephen Whitley
Abstract
The benthic insect populations from Lake Charleston and the Embarras River above and below Lake Charleston were examined twice monthly for seasonal differences in number of organisms, number of taxa and species diversity from October 13, 1976 to February 16, 1977. The water quality parameters of alkalinity, carbon dioxide, dissolved oxygen, pH and temperature were also examined for each site to determine if any parameter showed a sufficient deviation as to exert an influence on the benthic insect populations. Low dissolved oxygen and high carbon dioxide values were noted and occurred at times corresponding to lower numbers of taxa and lower species diversity on Lake Charleston and the Embarrass River above Lake Charleston. These two factors were concluded to have kept the higher expected winter species diversity to a similar low species diversity encountered in the fall from the Embarras River above Lake Charleston. On Lake Charleston these two factors plus increased ice cover thickness and lower temperatures were concluded to have been the major factors of a low species diversity occurring in December. Seasonal patterns otherwise generally followed those previously reported by other workers.
Recommended Citation
Bindel, Jerry E., "Seasonal Diversities of Lotic and Lentic Benthic Insect Populations" (1977). Masters Theses. 3361.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/3361
