No description available.

学位プログラム名: 京都大学大学院思修館 / 京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(総合学術) / 甲第22610号 / 総総博第10号 / 新制||総総||2(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院総合生存学館総合生存学専攻 / (主査)教授 山敷 庸亮, 准教授 趙 亮, 准教授 竹門 康弘 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy / Kyoto University / DFAM

Marine ecosystems are increasingly being subject to human impact from diverse recreational and commercial activities, not necessarily restricted to those of a marine nature. This has significant implications for biodiversity. The large dog cockle, Tucetona laticostata, once occurred live in Rangitoto Channel, Hauraki Gulf, although this species no longer appears to occur there, most likely as a consequence of repeated dredging and channel excavation and continued siltation. Tucetona laticostata still occurs in a few isolated pockets of sea bed throughout Hauraki Gulf, particularly off Otata Island, part of the Noises complex of islands, where it resides partially buried in shell and rock gravels in shallow water (to 15 metres depth). The shells of T. laticostata collect in large post-mortem deposits in an area ramping from the sea bed off southwestern Otata Island. These mounds differ significantly in structural complexity from those of adjacent, extensively fragmented shell and rock gravels. Using the mounds of T. laticostata shell as a proxy for structural complexity, in order to appraise the effect of complexity on benthic-invertebrate diversity, the sea bed off southwestern Otata Island was sampled quarterly at two depths and in both T. laticostata shell mounds and adjacent extensively fragmented shell and rock gravels. These data were complemented with those from additional surveys around Otata Island, and off eastern Motutapu Island to determine the distribution and composition of benthic-invertebrate community assemblages throughout the region, and from concurrent surveys throughout the Waitemata Harbour and inner Hauraki Gulf to determine the current distribution of T. laticostata in this region. The number of benthic invertebrate species and individuals within T. laticostata habitat almost always was higher than that occurring within extensively fragmented shell- and rock gravel habitat, with densities to 142,385 individuals m-2 encountered. Temporal and spatial variations in benthic community structure also are reported for the two habitats, T. laticostata-based shells and extensively fragmented shell- and rock gravels. The numbers of species were higher amongst samples collected off the southwestern and eastern sides of Otata Island than elsewhere around this island, or of eastern Motutapu Island. Of the 351 species reported from all Otata and Motutapu Island samples combined, 73% of them occurred off southwestern Otata Island, 30% of which were found exclusively within T. laticostata shell habitat, and 10.5% within extensively fragmented shell and rock gravel habitat. The sea bed off southwestern Otata Island is regularly, seasonally dredged by recreational scallop fishers, in addition to being a popular small-vessel anchorage site. Both of these activities, dredging and anchorage, stand to reduce substratum complexity by fragmentation and dispersal of the valves of T. laticostata. Given the unique benthic invertebrates reported from T. laticostata shell deposits reported from southwestern Otata Island, any activity that damages the shells of this species, regardless of whether they are live or dead, is likely to result in loss of biodiversity. Admittedly, many of species identified as major contributors to differences in benthic invertebrate assemblages between T. laticostata shell-based habitats and those of extensively fragmented shell and rock gravels are not particularly charismatic or large, but each likely plays a role in local food webs and/or sediment and water column chemistry. It was not the intention of this research to determine the effects of anthropogenic disturbances like dredging or vessel anchorage on benthic-invertebrate communities off southwestern Otata Island. However, given the reported differences in species diversity within the structurally complex substratum provided by T. laticostata, conservation of biogenic reef-forming species like it might be a prudent, precautionary measure to take.

Fast paced population growth in urban areas of southern Ontario is putting increased pressure on the surrounding aquatic environment. The City of Guelph uses the Speed River to assimilate its municipal wastewater effluent. With a projected 57% population increase in the watershed by 2031, the assimilative capacity of the river may be challenged in the coming years. The Guelph Wastewater Treatment Plant uses tertiary treatment methods greatly reducing ammonia, suspended solids and phosphate concentrations in the effluent. However there are still impacts detectable related to excessive nutrients released into this relatively small river (6th order) which promotes algae and aquatic macrophyte growth. There is also concern about a variety of emerging contaminants that may enter the river and impact the health of the ecosystem. The research in this thesis examined the seasonal and spatial variability and extent of the impacts of the wastewater effluent on the riffle fish communities in the Speed River. Stable isotope signatures (δ13C and δ15N) were used to understand the changes in the dominant benthic fish species, Rainbow Darters (Etheostoma caeruleum) and Greenside Darters (E. blennioides), relative to changes in invertebrate signatures and their abundance. Rainbow Darters were extremely abundant relative to Greenside Darters at the site immediately downstream of the effluent outfall, particularly in August. The benthic invertebrate community was distinctly different downstream of the effluent outfall, especially in the summer, with a reduced abundance of Elmidae beetle larvae and increased abundance of isopods (Caecidotea intermedius) compared to upstream. δ13C and δ15N of the two darters species were similar at all sites in May and July, but in August and October Rainbow Darter signatures were more enriched in the two heavier isotopes at sites downstream of the effluent outfall. The vast majority of invertebrate taxa sampled were also enriched at the downstream sites. An analysis of Rainbow and Greenside Darter stomach contents revealed that Rainbow Darters incorporated more isopods and other invertebrates in their diet, especially at the immediate downstream sites suggesting that they are more adaptable to the altered downstream environment. The feeding habits of Greenside Darters appear to change between July and August in response to changes in habitat and food availability. They are potentially consuming food organisms with less enriched isotopic signatures, which results in their isotopic signatures not rising during these months like most of the invertebrates and other fish. Alternatively, the Greenside Darters may move across the stream to feed on invertebrates that remain unexposed to the wastewater effluent. These impacts, although subtle, may be a reflection of the Speed River ecosystem being compromised by nutrient inputs from the wastewater effluent. With the impending increase in demand on the treatment plant (e.g., population growth), ongoing treatment and infrastructure improvements may be needed in the future to maintain the current ecosystem structure.

No description available.

Fast paced population growth in urban areas of southern Ontario is putting increased pressure on the surrounding aquatic environment. The City of Guelph uses the Speed River to assimilate its municipal wastewater effluent. With a projected 57% population increase in the watershed by 2031, the assimilative capacity of the river may be challenged in the coming years. The Guelph Wastewater Treatment Plant uses tertiary treatment methods greatly reducing ammonia, suspended solids and phosphate concentrations in the effluent. However there are still impacts detectable related to excessive nutrients released into this relatively small river (6th order) which promotes algae and aquatic macrophyte growth. There is also concern about a variety of emerging contaminants that may enter the river and impact the health of the ecosystem. The research in this thesis examined the seasonal and spatial variability and extent of the impacts of the wastewater effluent on the riffle fish communities in the Speed River. Stable isotope signatures (δ13C and δ15N) were used to understand the changes in the dominant benthic fish species, Rainbow Darters (Etheostoma caeruleum) and Greenside Darters (E. blennioides), relative to changes in invertebrate signatures and their abundance. Rainbow Darters were extremely abundant relative to Greenside Darters at the site immediately downstream of the effluent outfall, particularly in August. The benthic invertebrate community was distinctly different downstream of the effluent outfall, especially in the summer, with a reduced abundance of Elmidae beetle larvae and increased abundance of isopods (Caecidotea intermedius) compared to upstream. δ13C and δ15N of the two darters species were similar at all sites in May and July, but in August and October Rainbow Darter signatures were more enriched in the two heavier isotopes at sites downstream of the effluent outfall. The vast majority of invertebrate taxa sampled were also enriched at the downstream sites. An analysis of Rainbow and Greenside Darter stomach contents revealed that Rainbow Darters incorporated more isopods and other invertebrates in their diet, especially at the immediate downstream sites suggesting that they are more adaptable to the altered downstream environment. The feeding habits of Greenside Darters appear to change between July and August in response to changes in habitat and food availability. They are potentially consuming food organisms with less enriched isotopic signatures, which results in their isotopic signatures not rising during these months like most of the invertebrates and other fish. Alternatively, the Greenside Darters may move across the stream to feed on invertebrates that remain unexposed to the wastewater effluent. These impacts, although subtle, may be a reflection of the Speed River ecosystem being compromised by nutrient inputs from the wastewater effluent. With the impending increase in demand on the treatment plant (e.g., population growth), ongoing treatment and infrastructure improvements may be needed in the future to maintain the current ecosystem structure.

Marine ecosystems are increasingly being subject to human impact from diverse recreational and commercial activities, not necessarily restricted to those of a marine nature. This has significant implications for biodiversity. The large dog cockle, Tucetona laticostata, once occurred live in Rangitoto Channel, Hauraki Gulf, although this species no longer appears to occur there, most likely as a consequence of repeated dredging and channel excavation and continued siltation. Tucetona laticostata still occurs in a few isolated pockets of sea bed throughout Hauraki Gulf, particularly off Otata Island, part of the Noises complex of islands, where it resides partially buried in shell and rock gravels in shallow water (to 15 metres depth). The shells of T. laticostata collect in large post-mortem deposits in an area ramping from the sea bed off southwestern Otata Island. These mounds differ significantly in structural complexity from those of adjacent, extensively fragmented shell and rock gravels. Using the mounds of T. laticostata shell as a proxy for structural complexity, in order to appraise the effect of complexity on benthic-invertebrate diversity, the sea bed off southwestern Otata Island was sampled quarterly at two depths and in both T. laticostata shell mounds and adjacent extensively fragmented shell and rock gravels. These data were complemented with those from additional surveys around Otata Island, and off eastern Motutapu Island to determine the distribution and composition of benthic-invertebrate community assemblages throughout the region, and from concurrent surveys throughout the Waitemata Harbour and inner Hauraki Gulf to determine the current distribution of T. laticostata in this region. The number of benthic invertebrate species and individuals within T. laticostata habitat almost always was higher than that occurring within extensively fragmented shell- and rock gravel habitat, with densities to 142,385 individuals m-2 encountered. Temporal and spatial variations in benthic community structure also are reported for the two habitats, T. laticostata-based shells and extensively fragmented shell- and rock gravels. The numbers of species were higher amongst samples collected off the southwestern and eastern sides of Otata Island than elsewhere around this island, or of eastern Motutapu Island. Of the 351 species reported from all Otata and Motutapu Island samples combined, 73% of them occurred off southwestern Otata Island, 30% of which were found exclusively within T. laticostata shell habitat, and 10.5% within extensively fragmented shell and rock gravel habitat. The sea bed off southwestern Otata Island is regularly, seasonally dredged by recreational scallop fishers, in addition to being a popular small-vessel anchorage site. Both of these activities, dredging and anchorage, stand to reduce substratum complexity by fragmentation and dispersal of the valves of T. laticostata. Given the unique benthic invertebrates reported from T. laticostata shell deposits reported from southwestern Otata Island, any activity that damages the shells of this species, regardless of whether they are live or dead, is likely to result in loss of biodiversity. Admittedly, many of species identified as major contributors to differences in benthic invertebrate assemblages between T. laticostata shell-based habitats and those of extensively fragmented shell and rock gravels are not particularly charismatic or large, but each likely plays a role in local food webs and/or sediment and water column chemistry. It was not the intention of this research to determine the effects of anthropogenic disturbances like dredging or vessel anchorage on benthic-invertebrate communities off southwestern Otata Island. However, given the reported differences in species diversity within the structurally complex substratum provided by T. laticostata, conservation of biogenic reef-forming species like it might be a prudent, precautionary measure to take.

Os ecossistemas de rios apresentam uma estrutura distinta, onde riachos menores deságuam em rios maiores formando uma rede fluvial dendrítica. Porém, poucos trabalhos realizados em ecossistemas lóticos consideram a estrutura dendrítica das bacias hidrográficas. A natureza dessas redes de riachos, com tributários e confluências, influencia a ocupação e a dispersão dos organismos aquáticos. Neste trabalho, estudei os efeitos da posição do tributário dentro da bacia hidrográfica e de confluências sobre a assembleia de insetos aquáticos. Quanto ao efeito da posição do tributário, testei a hipótese de que: i) a assembleia de insetos aquáticos em pequenos tributários que fluem para outro pequeno tributário (P –> P) diferem dos pequenos tributários que deságuam em grandes rios (P–>G) e ii) que a fauna de P–>P é um subconjunto aninhado da fauna do P–>G da mesma bacia hidrográfica. Em relação às confluências, independentemente da sua posição na bacia, hipotetizei que trechos antes da confluência terão fauna iii) distinta e iv) aninhada em relação aos trechos após a confluência. O trabalho foi realizado em nove microbacias em São José dos Ausentes (RS). Em cada uma foram obtidas amostras em dois tipos de riachos pequenos: aqueles que deságuam em rio de porte semelhante e aqueles que deságuam em rio maior e nas confluências em trechos antes e após. Indivíduos de Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera e Elmidae (Coleoptera) foram coletados com amostrador Surber e identificados até o menor nível taxonômico possível. A riqueza de espécies rarefeita foi calculada e comparada a partir de teste t pareado unicaudal, onde cada microbacia constituiu um par. Análise de Variância Multivariada baseada em distância foi feita para avaliar se a composição e estrutura da fauna de insetos aquáticos diferem entre os tipos de riachos. Foram realizadas Análises de Coordenadas Principais para avaliar a distribuição das assembleias nos trechos coletados e Análise de Aninhamento usando a métrica NODF(Nestedness metric based on Overlapping and Decreasing Fill). Foram identificados 13.441 organismos, distribuídos em 65 gêneros e 121 morfoespécies. Os tributários que deságuam no rio maior apresentaram maior riqueza e composição distinta dos riachos que deságuam em rios de ordem menor. Além disto, riachos tributários nas regiões altas apresentaram uma fauna aninhada dentro dos tributários das regiões baixas. Quanto às confluências, apenas aquelas localizadas nas áreas altas das bacias hidrográficas tiveram efeito sobre a composição e estrutura da assembleia. Concluímos que a localização de tributários de pequena ordem na bacia hidrográfica é de fundamental importância para a determinação da riqueza e estrutura da fauna de insetos aquáticos. As assembleias de organismos aquáticos são moldadas pelas características dendríticas da rede de drenagem das bacias hidrográficas, onde a posição dos tributários e as confluências são elementos fundamentais para o entendimento de como funciona a organização e a distribuição das assembleias na paisagem. / Riverine ecosystems exhibit a distinct structure, where small streams flowing in to larger mainstem channel create a dendritic fluvial network. However, few studies have considered the dendritic structure of river basins. Regarding the nature of these streams networks, the spatial position of tributaries within catchments and the presence of confluences may influence occupation and dispersal of aquatic organisms. I studied the effect of tributary position at stream confluences on aquatic insect assemblage. Regarding the effect of tributary position in the catchment, we tested the hypotheses that i) aquatic insect assemblage at small tributaries that flow into another small tributary (hereafter S–>S) differ from small tributaries flowing into large mainstem river (hereafter S–>L) and ii) that fauna at S–>S is a nested subset of the fauna in S–>L of the same catchment. Regarding confluences, irrespective of its position in the catchment, we hypothesize that reaches upstream of confluences have a iii) distinct and iv) nested fauna in relation to downstream reaches. The study was conducted in nine watersheds in São José dos Ausentes e Bom Jesus (RS). In each watershed, samples were obtained in small streams that flow into a river of similar size and those that flow into mainstem river. Also I sampled reaches upstream and downstream confluences at lowlands and highlands. Individuals of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Elmidae (Coleoptera) were obtained with Surber sampler and identified to lowest possible taxonomic level. Rarefied species richness was calculated and compared using one-tailed paired t test, where each pair was a watershed. Multivariate Analysis of Variance based on distance was performed to assess if the composition and structure of the aquatic insect fauna differed between the streams types. I performed a Principal Coordinate Analysis to assess the distribution of the assemblages in the reaches. Finally, I evaluated nestedness of assemblages using the metric NODF (Nestedness metric based on Overlapping and Decreasing Fill). I identified 13,441 organisms distributed in 65 genera and 121 morphospecies. Tributaries that flow into the mainstem river supported greater richness and abundance than streams that flow into small streams. In addition, taxa from highland tributaries were a nested subset of the assemblage belonging to mainstem tributaries. About the confluences, only those located in highland areas affected reaches downstream in terms of assemblage composition and structure. I conclude that the location of small-order tributaries in the watershed is crucial for determining the structure and richness of the aquatic insect fauna. The assemblages of aquatic organisms are shaped by the characteristics of stream dendritic network, where the tributaries position and confluences are key to understanding how the assemblages organized and distributed in the landscape.

Os ecossistemas de rios apresentam uma estrutura distinta, onde riachos menores deságuam em rios maiores formando uma rede fluvial dendrítica. Porém, poucos trabalhos realizados em ecossistemas lóticos consideram a estrutura dendrítica das bacias hidrográficas. A natureza dessas redes de riachos, com tributários e confluências, influencia a ocupação e a dispersão dos organismos aquáticos. Neste trabalho, estudei os efeitos da posição do tributário dentro da bacia hidrográfica e de confluências sobre a assembleia de insetos aquáticos. Quanto ao efeito da posição do tributário, testei a hipótese de que: i) a assembleia de insetos aquáticos em pequenos tributários que fluem para outro pequeno tributário (P –> P) diferem dos pequenos tributários que deságuam em grandes rios (P–>G) e ii) que a fauna de P–>P é um subconjunto aninhado da fauna do P–>G da mesma bacia hidrográfica. Em relação às confluências, independentemente da sua posição na bacia, hipotetizei que trechos antes da confluência terão fauna iii) distinta e iv) aninhada em relação aos trechos após a confluência. O trabalho foi realizado em nove microbacias em São José dos Ausentes (RS). Em cada uma foram obtidas amostras em dois tipos de riachos pequenos: aqueles que deságuam em rio de porte semelhante e aqueles que deságuam em rio maior e nas confluências em trechos antes e após. Indivíduos de Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera e Elmidae (Coleoptera) foram coletados com amostrador Surber e identificados até o menor nível taxonômico possível. A riqueza de espécies rarefeita foi calculada e comparada a partir de teste t pareado unicaudal, onde cada microbacia constituiu um par. Análise de Variância Multivariada baseada em distância foi feita para avaliar se a composição e estrutura da fauna de insetos aquáticos diferem entre os tipos de riachos. Foram realizadas Análises de Coordenadas Principais para avaliar a distribuição das assembleias nos trechos coletados e Análise de Aninhamento usando a métrica NODF(Nestedness metric based on Overlapping and Decreasing Fill). Foram identificados 13.441 organismos, distribuídos em 65 gêneros e 121 morfoespécies. Os tributários que deságuam no rio maior apresentaram maior riqueza e composição distinta dos riachos que deságuam em rios de ordem menor. Além disto, riachos tributários nas regiões altas apresentaram uma fauna aninhada dentro dos tributários das regiões baixas. Quanto às confluências, apenas aquelas localizadas nas áreas altas das bacias hidrográficas tiveram efeito sobre a composição e estrutura da assembleia. Concluímos que a localização de tributários de pequena ordem na bacia hidrográfica é de fundamental importância para a determinação da riqueza e estrutura da fauna de insetos aquáticos. As assembleias de organismos aquáticos são moldadas pelas características dendríticas da rede de drenagem das bacias hidrográficas, onde a posição dos tributários e as confluências são elementos fundamentais para o entendimento de como funciona a organização e a distribuição das assembleias na paisagem. / Riverine ecosystems exhibit a distinct structure, where small streams flowing in to larger mainstem channel create a dendritic fluvial network. However, few studies have considered the dendritic structure of river basins. Regarding the nature of these streams networks, the spatial position of tributaries within catchments and the presence of confluences may influence occupation and dispersal of aquatic organisms. I studied the effect of tributary position at stream confluences on aquatic insect assemblage. Regarding the effect of tributary position in the catchment, we tested the hypotheses that i) aquatic insect assemblage at small tributaries that flow into another small tributary (hereafter S–>S) differ from small tributaries flowing into large mainstem river (hereafter S–>L) and ii) that fauna at S–>S is a nested subset of the fauna in S–>L of the same catchment. Regarding confluences, irrespective of its position in the catchment, we hypothesize that reaches upstream of confluences have a iii) distinct and iv) nested fauna in relation to downstream reaches. The study was conducted in nine watersheds in São José dos Ausentes e Bom Jesus (RS). In each watershed, samples were obtained in small streams that flow into a river of similar size and those that flow into mainstem river. Also I sampled reaches upstream and downstream confluences at lowlands and highlands. Individuals of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Elmidae (Coleoptera) were obtained with Surber sampler and identified to lowest possible taxonomic level. Rarefied species richness was calculated and compared using one-tailed paired t test, where each pair was a watershed. Multivariate Analysis of Variance based on distance was performed to assess if the composition and structure of the aquatic insect fauna differed between the streams types. I performed a Principal Coordinate Analysis to assess the distribution of the assemblages in the reaches. Finally, I evaluated nestedness of assemblages using the metric NODF (Nestedness metric based on Overlapping and Decreasing Fill). I identified 13,441 organisms distributed in 65 genera and 121 morphospecies. Tributaries that flow into the mainstem river supported greater richness and abundance than streams that flow into small streams. In addition, taxa from highland tributaries were a nested subset of the assemblage belonging to mainstem tributaries. About the confluences, only those located in highland areas affected reaches downstream in terms of assemblage composition and structure. I conclude that the location of small-order tributaries in the watershed is crucial for determining the structure and richness of the aquatic insect fauna. The assemblages of aquatic organisms are shaped by the characteristics of stream dendritic network, where the tributaries position and confluences are key to understanding how the assemblages organized and distributed in the landscape.

Os ecossistemas de rios apresentam uma estrutura distinta, onde riachos menores deságuam em rios maiores formando uma rede fluvial dendrítica. Porém, poucos trabalhos realizados em ecossistemas lóticos consideram a estrutura dendrítica das bacias hidrográficas. A natureza dessas redes de riachos, com tributários e confluências, influencia a ocupação e a dispersão dos organismos aquáticos. Neste trabalho, estudei os efeitos da posição do tributário dentro da bacia hidrográfica e de confluências sobre a assembleia de insetos aquáticos. Quanto ao efeito da posição do tributário, testei a hipótese de que: i) a assembleia de insetos aquáticos em pequenos tributários que fluem para outro pequeno tributário (P –> P) diferem dos pequenos tributários que deságuam em grandes rios (P–>G) e ii) que a fauna de P–>P é um subconjunto aninhado da fauna do P–>G da mesma bacia hidrográfica. Em relação às confluências, independentemente da sua posição na bacia, hipotetizei que trechos antes da confluência terão fauna iii) distinta e iv) aninhada em relação aos trechos após a confluência. O trabalho foi realizado em nove microbacias em São José dos Ausentes (RS). Em cada uma foram obtidas amostras em dois tipos de riachos pequenos: aqueles que deságuam em rio de porte semelhante e aqueles que deságuam em rio maior e nas confluências em trechos antes e após. Indivíduos de Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera e Elmidae (Coleoptera) foram coletados com amostrador Surber e identificados até o menor nível taxonômico possível. A riqueza de espécies rarefeita foi calculada e comparada a partir de teste t pareado unicaudal, onde cada microbacia constituiu um par. Análise de Variância Multivariada baseada em distância foi feita para avaliar se a composição e estrutura da fauna de insetos aquáticos diferem entre os tipos de riachos. Foram realizadas Análises de Coordenadas Principais para avaliar a distribuição das assembleias nos trechos coletados e Análise de Aninhamento usando a métrica NODF(Nestedness metric based on Overlapping and Decreasing Fill). Foram identificados 13.441 organismos, distribuídos em 65 gêneros e 121 morfoespécies. Os tributários que deságuam no rio maior apresentaram maior riqueza e composição distinta dos riachos que deságuam em rios de ordem menor. Além disto, riachos tributários nas regiões altas apresentaram uma fauna aninhada dentro dos tributários das regiões baixas. Quanto às confluências, apenas aquelas localizadas nas áreas altas das bacias hidrográficas tiveram efeito sobre a composição e estrutura da assembleia. Concluímos que a localização de tributários de pequena ordem na bacia hidrográfica é de fundamental importância para a determinação da riqueza e estrutura da fauna de insetos aquáticos. As assembleias de organismos aquáticos são moldadas pelas características dendríticas da rede de drenagem das bacias hidrográficas, onde a posição dos tributários e as confluências são elementos fundamentais para o entendimento de como funciona a organização e a distribuição das assembleias na paisagem. / Riverine ecosystems exhibit a distinct structure, where small streams flowing in to larger mainstem channel create a dendritic fluvial network. However, few studies have considered the dendritic structure of river basins. Regarding the nature of these streams networks, the spatial position of tributaries within catchments and the presence of confluences may influence occupation and dispersal of aquatic organisms. I studied the effect of tributary position at stream confluences on aquatic insect assemblage. Regarding the effect of tributary position in the catchment, we tested the hypotheses that i) aquatic insect assemblage at small tributaries that flow into another small tributary (hereafter S–>S) differ from small tributaries flowing into large mainstem river (hereafter S–>L) and ii) that fauna at S–>S is a nested subset of the fauna in S–>L of the same catchment. Regarding confluences, irrespective of its position in the catchment, we hypothesize that reaches upstream of confluences have a iii) distinct and iv) nested fauna in relation to downstream reaches. The study was conducted in nine watersheds in São José dos Ausentes e Bom Jesus (RS). In each watershed, samples were obtained in small streams that flow into a river of similar size and those that flow into mainstem river. Also I sampled reaches upstream and downstream confluences at lowlands and highlands. Individuals of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera and Elmidae (Coleoptera) were obtained with Surber sampler and identified to lowest possible taxonomic level. Rarefied species richness was calculated and compared using one-tailed paired t test, where each pair was a watershed. Multivariate Analysis of Variance based on distance was performed to assess if the composition and structure of the aquatic insect fauna differed between the streams types. I performed a Principal Coordinate Analysis to assess the distribution of the assemblages in the reaches. Finally, I evaluated nestedness of assemblages using the metric NODF (Nestedness metric based on Overlapping and Decreasing Fill). I identified 13,441 organisms distributed in 65 genera and 121 morphospecies. Tributaries that flow into the mainstem river supported greater richness and abundance than streams that flow into small streams. In addition, taxa from highland tributaries were a nested subset of the assemblage belonging to mainstem tributaries. About the confluences, only those located in highland areas affected reaches downstream in terms of assemblage composition and structure. I conclude that the location of small-order tributaries in the watershed is crucial for determining the structure and richness of the aquatic insect fauna. The assemblages of aquatic organisms are shaped by the characteristics of stream dendritic network, where the tributaries position and confluences are key to understanding how the assemblages organized and distributed in the landscape.