Multifractal processes in stream communities

In streambed sediments, the body-size distribution of protozoan and invertebrate species often relates to the size-spectrum of organic particles1. In those habitats, most meiobenthic species use flocs of organic particles, which are embedded in the interstices of the streambed sediments, as transitory habitat and as grazing ground.
We explored multifractality and lacunarity to quantify the complexity of streambed habitats using both field and laboratory experiments. We assessed the effects of habitat complexity on meiofaunal spatiotemporal distribution, movement and feeding processes in freshwater systems2,3.

Selected scientific publications

1. Schmid, P.E. & Schmid-Araya, J.M. 2007. Body size and scale invariance: multifractals in invertebrate communities., p.140-166, in: Body Size: The Structure and Function of Aquatic Ecosystems, eds. A.G. Hildrew, D.G. Raffaelli and R. Edmonds-Brown, Cambridge Uni. Press ( read the abstract ).
2. Schmid, P.E. & Schmid-Araya, J.M. 2019. Application of multifractal analyses to habitat complexity research in stream systems: a cross-scale approach. In: Tokeshi, M. (eds) Habitat complexity in aquatic systems: ecological perspectives.
3. Schmid-Araya, J. M. & Schmid, P. E. 2019. Habitat complexity and meiofauna: a review and new insights on food-search dynamics of organisms across habitat patches of varying complexity. In: Tokeshi, M. (eds) Habitat complexity in aquatic systems: ecological perspectives.