It is likely that the meiofauna are important in passing microbial production to larger organisms. Recent research by the Ashdown Forest Freshwater Ecology Group has found many links between meio- and macrofauna in stream food webs. However, the importance of these links is still unknown. The meiofauna are a highly diverse group. I am constructing monthly BSDs to investigate spatio-temporal patterns in the Lone Oak community.
Streams operate in four dimensions, varying longitudinally, horizontally, vertically and temporally.
The vertical component and its role in community dynamics is gradually being resolved. The 'hyporheic zone' is defined as the saturated sediments and interstitial spaces beneath streams, receiving water from both above and below ground. At Lone Oak, I am collecting monthly samples from the hyporheic zone using permanent standipes. A key ecological process is secondary production, which describes the flow of energy through the community. Following my survey of invertebrates at Lone Oak, and the construction of BSD's, I will be able to estimate the contribution of each size class of both meiofauna and macrofauna to community production and, hence, their trophic relationships as predators and prey.