Aquatic invertebrate ecology in the Rio Grande, New Mexico: A comprehensive undergraduate training program

Authors: Raphaelita K. Bishara, Corey A. Love, Erica L. Johnson, Ayesha S. Burdett, Thomas F. Turner

Year: 2009 (xli)

Abstract

Relatively little is known about invertebrate communities and food web dynamics of arid land rivers. Over the last five years, we have focused on building an undergraduate student-centered research program in the Rio Grande that aims to increase the knowledge base and to train the next generation of scientists that will tackle pressing environmental problems in the southwestern US and elsewhere. Our approach involves comprehensive training in invertebrate and fish identification, field and experimental methods, and stable isotope biogeochemistry applied to a complex and dynamic river ecosystem. To date, we have identified approximately 160 invertebrate taxa and we are now assembling a digital reference collection to assist researchers in future work. Mesocosm studies that mimic drying conditions in the Rio Grande show dramatic impacts of larval fish on invertebrate communities when they are confined to drying pools. Finally, direct comparison of mesocosm and field data suggest that local effects, such as the presence of leaf litter, can dramatically alter invertebrate community composition. Through this program, undergraduate student researchers develop a vested interest in all projects from inception to execution, and thereby garner experience that will help shape their future careers.