Ecological Roles and Conservation of Aquatic Invertebrates in Freshwater Ecosystems

Authors: Shaheen Bano

Country: India

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Abstract: Aquatic invertebrates, which include species such as insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and worms, are essential components of freshwater ecosystems. They contribute significantly to key ecological processes like nutrient cycling, sediment stabilization, and functioning as integral parts of the food web. Their diversity, abundance, and functional roles are critical to maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity, influencing both biotic and abiotic factors in aquatic habitats. These organisms are involved in the decomposition of organic matter, transforming nutrients into forms that can be utilized by plants and other organisms, and are also key prey for many higher trophic level species, from fish to waterfowl. However, aquatic invertebrates face increasing pressures from human activities, including habitat degradation, water pollution, invasive species, and the impacts of climate change, all of which threaten their populations and, by extension, the ecosystems that depend on them.
This research paper delves into the ecological roles and conservation of aquatic invertebrates in freshwater ecosystems. It emphasizes the importance of these organisms in sustaining the ecological integrity of aquatic environments, while also addressing the various anthropogenic threats that challenge their survival. Through a review of existing literature, as well as field studies and data analysis, this paper seeks to deepen our understanding of the factors affecting aquatic invertebrate populations and ecosystem health. The paper also proposes conservation strategies to mitigate these threats, including habitat restoration, pollution control, and sustainable water management practices. The aim is to ensure the long-term viability of aquatic invertebrate populations and, consequently, the overall health and functionality of freshwater ecosystems, which provide essential services to both wildlife and human communities.

Keywords: Aquatic invertebrates, freshwater ecosystems, ecological roles, biodiversity, conservation, nutrient cycling, water quality, habitat degradation

Paper Id: 231674

Published On: 2024-12-05

Published In: Volume 12, Issue 6, November-December 2024

Cite This: Ecological Roles and Conservation of Aquatic Invertebrates in Freshwater Ecosystems - Shaheen Bano - IJIRMPS Volume 12, Issue 6, November-December 2024.

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