1.Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Ecological Environment Protection on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, School of Ecology and Environment, Tibet University
2.Field Scientific Observation and Research Station of Lasa Urban Wetland Ecosystem, Xizang Autonomous Region
3.Collaborative Innovation Center for Ecological Civilization on the Qinghai -Tibet Plateau
4.Ecological Environment Monitoring Center of Xizang Autonomous Region, Lasa, Xizang 850000, China
5.Institute of Plateau Ecology, Xizang Agricultural and Animal Husbandry University
6.Key Laboratory of Alpine Vegetation and Ecological Security, Xizang Autonomous Region, Linzhi, Xizang 860000, China
This study investigated the macroinvertebrate community structure and ecological functions in the Nimu Maqu River, a tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River, through basin-wide sampling conducted in August 2023. A total of 44 macroinvertebrate taxa (species/genus level) were identified, spanning 3 phyla, 8 orders, and 19 families, with EPT taxa (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) dominating at the ordinal level (46.47% of total abundance). Functional feeding group analysis revealed collector-gatherers as the predominant group 61.80%, represented by dominant species including Isoperla sp. (Plecoptera), Baetis sp. (Ephemeroptera), Orthocladius sp., and Pagastia sp. (Diptera). The community exhibited a mean density of 62 (ind./m²) and biomass of 0.4447 (g/m²). Longitudinal spatial patterns showed progressive downstream declines in collector-gatherer abundance contrasted by increasing shredder dominance, while scrapers remained relatively stable—a deviation from the River Continuum Concept (RCC). This anomaly was attributed to substrate heterogeneity and anthropogenic influences: gravel-cobble substrates in upstream reaches favored collector-gatherers, whereas urbanized downstream areas with enhanced allochthonous organic inputs promoted shredder proliferation (Cricotopus sp., Polypedilum sp., Tipula sp.). Furthermore, significant altitudinal declines in Pielou's evenness (J) and Margalef's richness (d) indices (p < 0.05) indicated taxonomic homogenization at higher elevations, suggesting environmental filtering through hypoxic and thermal stressors constraining community assembly.
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