Masters Theses
Keywords and Phrases
Aquatic Fungi; Climate Change; DGGE; Fungi diversity; Phylotype richness
Abstract
"This study investigated the impact of climate change, particularly drought, on leaf decomposition and associated fungal and macroinvertebrate communities in freshwater ecosystems. With climate change, streams may experience altered hydrology, leading to shifts in community composition and biogeochemical processes. Fungi decompose organic matter, facilitate nutrient cycling, and support food webs. However, drought can disrupt these processes by reducing water availability, causing declines in fungal diversity and activity. I examined leaf breakdown and associated biota in 13 stream sites across varying hydrologic conditions, from perennial to ephemeral flow patterns. Flow duration varied during the 8-week study. Leaf breakdown was significantly related to the percentage of time that sites had flowing water, with more reliable flow leading to higher breakdown rates. Macroinvertebrate densities in litterbags were also related to the percentage of time with flowing water, while the relationship between microbial respiration and dryness was only marginally significant. Leaf breakdown was significantly related to macroinvertebrate densities across sites. Using molecular techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), this study examined fungal communities from leaf litter samples. Phylotype richness and diversity of fungal DNA were not significantly related to hydrologic characteristics. NMS ordination revealed that fungal communities were influenced by hydrologic conditions and location (watershed). Understanding how climate-induced stressors like drought affect fungal communities is crucial for predicting the future of freshwater ecosystems under climate change"-- Abstract, p. iii
Advisor(s)
Niyogi, Dev
Committee Member(s)
Duvernell, David D. (David Douglas), 1970-
Mormile, Melanie R.
Department(s)
Biological Sciences
Degree Name
M.S. in Biological Sciences
Publisher
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Publication Date
Spring 2025
Pagination
viii, 51 pages
Note about bibliography
Includes_bibliographical_references_(pages 43-50)
Rights
©2024 Syeda Tasfia Imam , All Rights Reserved
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
File Type
text
Language
English
Thesis Number
T 12459
Recommended Citation
Imam, Syeda Tasfia, "Effects Of Climate Change On Fungal Diversity And Function In Streams" (2025). Masters Theses. 8233.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/8233
