WETS1057 Identification and ecology of benthic invertebrates (3 cr)

Content

Fundamentals of taxonomy, biology and ecology of freshwater invertebrates. Sample collection and handling, identification of higher taxa/most common species and preparedness for species identification.

Completion methods

Lectures, lecture exam, exercises (compulsory attendance), identification exam

Assessment details

Lecture exam and identification exam

After the course the student should know 

• The major taxonomic groups of macroscopic freshwater invertebrates, their taxonomic position in the animal Kingdom and their main life history features. 
• The dominant drivers of species distribution and community variation in rivers and lakes, and the important roles of macroinvertebrates in these ecosystems.  
• How that knowledge can be applied e.g. in bioassessment and monitoring. 
• How to easily recognize any higher taxon of macroinvertebrates, how to prepare specimens for further identification  (to family, genus or species) as necessary, with the help of identification keys.

Max 16 master students 'manually' selected based on student's level of studies, interests and needs