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Updated: May 14, 2026
12:44
Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework
Published on: July 24, 2016
Quantifying invertebrate resistance to floods: a global-scale meta-analysis
Laura E McMullen1, David A Lytle
1Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, 3029 Cordley Hall, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA. Laura.McMullen@icfi.com
Summary
Global floods significantly reduce invertebrate populations by at least half. This meta-analysis reveals predictable impacts across diverse riverine ecosystems, informing future river management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Riverine Ecosystems
- Freshwater Biology
Background:
- Floods are crucial for riverine ecosystems globally.
- Predictable flood impacts on organisms are not well understood across continents.
- Invertebrate resistance to floods is a key ecological metric.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a global meta-analysis on flood effects on invertebrate resistance.
- To determine if flood impacts on invertebrates are predictable across regions.
- To identify factors influencing invertebrate survival during flood events.
Main Methods:
- Global meta-analysis of 994 studies, narrowed to 41 studies across six continents.
- Analyzed natural-log-ratio of invertebrate abundance before and after floods (within 10 days).
- Examined environmental and study design variables, and taxonomic differences in effect size.
Main Results:
- Invertebrate abundance decreased by at least 50% after flood events.
- Natural and managed floods had similar effects.
- Effect size varied by habitat and substrate; pools, sand, and boulders showed the strongest impact.
- Floods negatively affected densities of Coleoptera, Eumalacostraca, Annelida, Ephemeroptera, Diptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera.
Conclusions:
- Flood events have a significant, negative, and predictable impact on global invertebrate abundance.
- Findings provide guidance for river flow management and establish baseline expectations for freshwater disturbance studies.
- Results are applicable across continents and climate types, aiding in riverine ecosystem management.
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