Implications of macroinvertebrate taxonomic resolution for freshwater assessments using functional traits: The Paute River Basin (Ecuador) case

Aim This study aimed at investigating the taxonomic resolutions (TRs) of benthic macroinvertebrates for freshwater assessments in scope functional trait approach (FTA). Location Macroinvertebrate samples were collected 22 locations within Paute River Basin (PRB), Ecuador, over three years (2010, 2011 and 2012). Methods Biological traits allocated as scores to macroinvertebrate data (at genus level) through fuzzy coding, using published data. The each used derive corresponding family. These two sets standardized compared, they similar 82% cases. Functional diversity (FD) was described by rRao index, which showed no significant differences between coarse (family fine (genus TRs. Cluster analyses K-means algorithm performed determine similarities both sets. WQ cluster number (K) varied 2 5 a threshold K value (Kth), after assessment differed function TR being used. Results Kth 3. Family-level identification framework FTA PRB suitable detecting changes assemblages (until = 3). Main conclusions proposed methodology could be implemented other basins where decision-makers decide whether level similarity is sufficient management purposes defined acceptable. reliability key methodological steps assessed performance statistics that have rarely been applied ecological studies. Despite related research regions, present first South American attempt investigate effects on bioassessments traits.