Macrobenthic population dynamics in Indiana waters of Lake Michigan in 1970

AbstractMacrobenthic population dynamics in the Indiana waters of Lake Michigan were examined from June to October, 1970. Species composition and density were compared within and between 5, 10, 15, and 18 m stations and transects at Michigan City, Burns Ditch, and Gary. The major groups of organisms sampled for all stations combined in Indiana waters, in order of abundance and percent composition, were: oligochaetes, the amphipod Pontoporeia affinis, sphaeriids, and chironomids. The Michigan City transect had the greatest abundance and percent composition of chironomids and sphaeriids. The Burns Ditch transect had the greatest abundance and percent composition of oligochaetes. The Gary transect had the greatest abundance and percent composition of P. affinis. A classification of the transects according to trophic values, derived from the proportion of indicator chironomids, revealed Michigan City and Burns Ditch transects as in the eutrophic range while the Gary transect was in the mesotrophic range.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306Thesis (M.S.)--Ball State University, 1971