What factors determine the abundance and distribution of aquatic insects found on Dominica?
GETTING THERE: Islands are surrounded by water and so are relatively isolated from other land masses. Arrival to an island either occurs by direct transport on water and air currents, or by being carried in on these currents riding another organism or object such as a bird, bat, human, or log. The direction and strength of air and water currents bringing potential immigrants in from other areas, helps determine who arrives. So does the organism’s ability to handle an arduous journey. Saltwater, air and sunlight tend to dessicate or dehydrate organisms. Also significant, is the distance the island is from the mainland or other islands, which can serve as recruitment sources for animals and plants. The island’s geological history can also have an impact. Whether an island emerged as bare rock from the sea, or was slowly torn away from another land mass already containing life, can influence what organisms might be found on a particular island. Aquatic insects disperse as females fly to d
