Spatial variation of benthic macroinvertebrate biodiversity in boreal streams : biogeographic context and conservation implications

Abstract

Biodiversity patterns of most lotic animal and plant groups remain poorly known, which hinders the implementation of effective conservation, monitoring, and restoration programs. The major aims of this thesis were (i) to examine spatial variation in macroinvertebrate assemblage structure and diversity across natural environmental gradients, and (ii) to assess the utility of such information as the basis of stream conservation programs.