Macroinvertebrates are a functional grouping of animals lacking a vertebral column that are retained by a defined mesh size (typically ≥0.25–0.5 mm) in aquatic and sometimes terrestrial ecosystem studies. This assemblage encompasses taxa such as insect larvae, crustaceans, mollusks, annelids, and arachnids, and is commonly used in biomonitoring and ecological assessment because of their diverse life histories, relatively limited mobility, and taxon-specific sensitivities to environmental stressors. Macroinvertebrate community composition, abundance, and trait structure provide quantitative indicators of habitat quality, hydrological regime, organic enrichment, toxic contamination, and broader ecosystem functioning, including decomposition and nutrient cycling.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirms that fossilized remains of marine invertebrates can accurately reflect the functional diversity of past ecosystems—offering a powerful ...
Ecology
Aug 26, 2025
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MBARI researchers have developed an innovative imaging system that can be deployed at great depths underwater to study the movement of marine life. The team used the system to study deep-sea octopus and shared their findings ...
Plants & Animals
Aug 6, 2025
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486
Africa's tropical belt, defined by the Guinean forests of west Africa and the Congo Basin of central Africa, is globally recognized for its astounding biodiversity.
Plants & Animals
Jul 14, 2025
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In a world-first pilot study, researchers from the University of South Australia have used video footage of insects to extract their heart rates without touching or disturbing them.
Plants & Animals
Jul 10, 2025
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28
A team of biologists working at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, a research museum in the Netherlands, has found evidence of caddisfly larvae using microplastics to build their casings as far back as the 1970s.
