WETS1057 Identification and ecology of benthic invertebrates (3 cr)
Learning outcomes
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 student also has basic knowledge of the dominant drivers of species distribution and community variation in rivers and lakes, of the important roles of macroinvertebrates in these ecosystems, and of how that knowledge can be applied e.g. in bioassessment and monitoring. A student passing the course should be able to easily recognize any higher taxon of macroinvertebrates, to prepare specimens for further identification and be able to identify them to a lower taxon (family, genus or species) as necessary, with the help of identification keys.
Study methods
Lectures, lecture exam, exercises (compulsory attendance), identification exam
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.
Further information
Max 16 master students 'manually' selected based on student's level of studies, interests and needs
Assessment criteria
Lecture exam and identification exam