Concepts

Categorization of invertebrates based on feeding mechanisms: collector-gatherers, grazers, predators, shredders, and suspension-feeders

Species-specific selection for particular combinations of physical habitat characteristics like water depth, current velocity, and substrate size

Behavior where caddisfly larvae consume material from their own or others' protective cases

Combined impact of multiple predators differs from the sum of their individual effects, can be greater or less than additive

Input of terrestrial invertebrates into aquatic food webs providing energy to aquatic predators

When organisms switch from their primary food to secondary food sources under conditions of high competition or resource limitation

The sequential development of microbial communities on substrates following disturbance

Consumption of dead organic matter by organisms, particularly caddisfly larvae feeding on detritus

Functional guild of macroinvertebrates that break down dead organic material, contributing to nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems

Differential prey use based on habitat type, with fairy shrimp comprising majority of diet in temporary ponds

Competition through depletion of shared resources without direct interaction

Asymmetric intraguild predation (IGP) between caddisflies where larger, faster-growing species prey on smaller competitors