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Substrate Habitat

Stream Substrate Habitat

Lesson Abstract

Summary:

Students conduct random sampling of habitat material found in a

stream to determine benthic invertebrate fauna diversity.

GLE:

SC7.1.A.6, 7.1.B.6, 7.1.C.6, 7.1.D.6, 7.1.E.6,

Subject Areas:

Science, Mathematics

Show-Me

Goals – 1.3, 1.4, 1.8

Standards:

Strands – SC 3, 4, 5, 7, 8; MA 1, 2, 3

Skills:

Measuring, random sampling

Duration:

1 class period (50 minutes)

Setting:

Site on a shallow, gravel or sand bottom stream

Key Vocabulary:

Random sampling, habitat, substrate, cobble, bow caliper,

interstitial spaces, Dependant Variable, Independent Variable

Rationale:

• There is a diversity of insects that live in and around water.

• Stream bottom material influences the type of organisms in a stream.

• Substrate is a function of stream stability reflecting the conditions of a stream

channel, riparian corridor, flood plain, and watershed.

• Benthic invertebrates living in running water show preference to various bottom

types.

• Benthic invertebrates not only need specific chemical water quality parameters,

but they need substrate habitat providing adequate living space.

• Habitat is important in animal survival.

Student relevance:

• Substrate habitat is one component that helps determine benthic diversity.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, students will be able to . . .

• Determine the average size substrate material in a cross-section of a riffle or

other part of a stream.

• Identify that some species prefer a particular substrate.

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Substrate Habitat