Scale, Exchange Rates, and the Impact of Predators on Prey Populations in Streams

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This research examines the effects of prey immigration/emigration rates and prey density on stream predators using both theoretical and experimental approaches. Observational work will describe the sizes, differences, and overlap in patches of predators, trout, stoneflies, and prey (aquatic insects). the research will indicate how results of small-scale experiments can be applied to larger systems, with implications for testing and analyzing the impacts of populations or introduced species on natural systems. By examing resources- consumer interactions, and the effects of arena size and immigration on the persistence of natural populations, the research relates to problems in conservation biology and resources management (e.g. fishery management, conservation of species). Knowing the effects of top predators (trout) on invertebrate prey and, in turn, on the prey's food (algae) will indicate the effectiveness of manipulating top predators to control algal blooms in streams.