ZA214 Chironomidae – model biological indicator for tracking environmental changes

Faculty of Science
Spring 2026

The course is not taught in Spring 2026

Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Karel Brabec, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Karel Brabec, Ph.D.
Department of Geography – Earth Sciences Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: Mgr. Karel Brabec, Ph.D.
Supplier department: Department of Geography – Earth Sciences Section – Faculty of Science
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Abstract
The aim of the course is to demonstrate selected environmental topics including the use of model indicator group in specific pilot studies. Students will independently work with the provided literature, learn basic methods of data analysis and practice critical thinking when discussing achieved results.
Learning outcomes
The student will be able to:
- orientate in macroinvertebrate ecology, especially the family Chironomidae;
- apply the indicative characteristics of the Chironomidae model group when evaluating selected changes in the freshwater ecosystems;
- design ecological studies in freshwater ecosystems;
- analyze and interpret general relationships, patterns and linkages even outside the model group
Key topics
  • 1. Chironomidae – introduction;
  • 2. Habitats;
  • 3. Ecological characteristics;
  • 4. Sensitivity to pressures, use in recent monitoring;
  • 5. Response to organic pollution and eutrophication;
  • 6. Paleolimnological reconstructions;
  • 7. Case study: land use/cover;
  • 8. Case study: impounded river;
  • 9. Case study: water temperature;
  • 10. Case study: microhabitat;
  • 11. Case study: riparian zone;
  • 12. Part of macroinvertebrate communities;
  • 13. Overview of indication characteristics
Study resources and literature
  • Serra S.R.Q., Cobo F., Grac ̧ M.A.S., Dolédec S., Feio M.J. (2016). Synthesising the trait information of European Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera): Towards a new database. Ecological Indicators 61: 282–292.
  • Karima, Z. (2021). Chironomidae: Biology, Ecology and Systematics. In: Perveen, F. K. (ed). The Wonders of Diptera - Characteristics, Diversity, and Significance for the World's Ecosystems. London: IntechOpen; https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/74836.
  • MOLLER PILLOT, H. K. M. Chironomidae larvae of the Netherlands and adjacent lowlands : biology and ecology of the Chironomini. [Zeist]: KNNV Publishing, 2009, 270 s. ISBN 9789050113038. info
  • DOWNES, Barbara J. Monitoring ecological impacts : concepts and practice in flowing waters. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002, xii, 434. ISBN 0521771579. info
  • The Chironomidae : biology and ecology of non-biting midges. Edited by Patrick D. Armitage - Peter S. Cranston - L. Clive V. Pinder. 1st ed. London: Chapman & Hall, 1995, 572 s. ISBN 0-412-45260-X. info
  • HYNES, H. B. N. The ecology of running waters. First published. Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, 1970, xxiv, 555. ISBN 0853231001. info
Approaches, practices, and methods used in teaching
lectures, presentation of pilot studies, class discussion
Method of verifying learning outcomes and course completion requirements
Examination has an oral form
Language of instruction
English
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/spring2026/ZA214