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Measuring Crayfish Habitat Use and Selection

Author(s): Cheyanne Olson

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Summary:
Changes in crayfish populations within streams can indicate shifts in habitat preferences, which often reflect environmental conditions such as shelter availability and food resources. Variations in crayfish measurements, such as body size, can…

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Changes in crayfish populations within streams can indicate shifts in habitat preferences, which often reflect environmental conditions such as shelter availability and food resources. Variations in crayfish measurements, such as body size, can signal differences in habitat quality. Streams that offer diverse substrates, ample hiding spots, and abundant food sources typically support larger and healthier crayfish populations. This field lesson combines habitat observations with crayfish sampling to investigate how different habitat characteristics influence crayfish distribution and abundance. Designed for upper undergraduate students, the lesson includes the collection of habitat data (water quality parameters, substrate type, vegetation cover) and crayfish data (including body measurements and species identification). An optional Excel sheet is provided for students to formulate predictions about expected habitat preferences and then analyze the collected data. Students are encouraged to reflect on their observations and initial predictions regarding how various habitat features affect crayfish populations.

Licensed under Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal

Version 1.0 - published on 11 Dec 2024 doi:10.25334/2DZQ-7Y69 - cite this

Keywords

  1. Biodiversity
  2. environmental science
  3. conservation ecology
  4. water quality and resource allocation
  5. freshwater systems
  6. freshwater invertebrates
  7. habitat
  8. River Field Studies Network
  9. Crayfish
  10. Freshwater crustaceans
  11. Crawfish

Alignments

  1. Resource Type
  2. Audience Level
  3. Activity Length
  4. Software Used
  5. Inclusive Pedagogy for Life Science Education
  6. Open Science and Education Practices Ontology
Contents:
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Description

This resource provides an in-depth field-based lesson plan designed for upper-level undergraduate students studying aquatic biology, environmental science, or conservation. It focuses on the relationship between crayfish populations and stream habitat quality, exploring how various environmental factors (such as water quality, substrate type, vegetation, and human activity) influence crayfish distribution, size, and overall health. Through direct field observations and sampling, students collect data on habitat characteristics and crayfish populations to investigate habitat preferences.

The lesson encourages hands-on learning, where students work in groups to gather habitat data (e.g., water temperature, stream depth, substrate types) and crayfish data (species identification, body measurements, and weight). By analyzing this data, students will form hypotheses, draw conclusions, and reflect on the impact of habitat changes on crayfish communities. An optional Excel template aids in data analysis and prediction formulation.

Target Audience: Designed for upper undergraduate students with some background in aquatic systems, this lesson is ideal for courses in environmental science, limnology, aquatic biology, and conservation biology. It is adaptable for a wide range of students, considering accessibility and the availability of appropriate field sites and equipment.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Formulate and test hypotheses about the relationship between habitat features and crayfish populations.
  2. Collect and analyze field data on water quality, substrate, vegetation, and crayfish populations.
  3. Apply scientific methods for crayfish species identification, measurement, and population assessment.
  4. Reflect on the influence of habitat characteristics on crayfish distribution and draw evidence-based conclusions.

Key Components:

  • Field-based crayfish sampling
  • Water quality and habitat data collection
  • Species identification and crayfish measurements
  • Data analysis and hypothesis testing
  • Group discussions and reflections

This resource is a practical tool for instructors aiming to engage students in real-world ecological research while fostering critical thinking, data analysis skills, and a deeper understanding of how aquatic ecosystems function.

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