Environmental classification of springs of the Italian Alps and its consistency across multiple taxonomic groups

• DOI: 10.1899/10-038.1
• Publication Date: 2012-05-15T17:20:00Z
• Authors: Daniel Spitale; Manel Leira; Nicola Angeli; Marco Cantonati
• Keywords: Taxonomic rank; Biological classification

The traditional and widely used ecomorphological spring classification—pool springs (limnocrenes), seepages (helocrenes), flowing (rheocrenes)—is based mainly on the flow regime at mouth. This clear distinction is purely environmental conditions, but how to what extent these typologies are reflected by biological assemblages consisting of different taxonomic groups remains largely untested. Classification habitats typically one or few groups. However, likely differ in their response environment, so different, equally valid classifications might result with We evaluated responses congruence a wide range types. Eighty-six Italian Alps were first classified factors only. consistency this classification was tested using diatoms, bryophytes, vascular plants, nematodes, mollusks, oligochaetes, water mites, copepods, ostracods, chironomids, stoneflies, caddisflies. When only variables used, 7 types distinguished: limnocrenes helocrenes, low- high-altitude rheocrenes carbonate rocks, siliceous high discharge, hygropetric rheocrenes. most groups, many species characteristic for ≥1 type. predictive power environment determining distribution generally low, suggesting that other may play an important role structuring assemblages. Concordance among found 2 macrogroups organisms: autotrophs (diatoms, plants) heterotrophs. shows achieving general relevant across all would be difficult.