The ability of PCR-based methods and next generation sequencing to detect secondary predation in the gut contents of aquatic macroinvertebrates

MMCP Collaboration (MMCP) is a project supported by the Joint State Governments and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to generate and adopt freshwater ecological knowledge through collaboration, to maintain research capability and contribute supporting science to underpin the Basin-Wide Watering Strategy.

Student support is an important component of MMCP. Postgraduate students carry out high-quality research at a reasonable cost and make an important contribution to the development of aquatic research capability. Student support for this thesis, was provided through the provision of a honours scholarships.

This study is the first to use Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to investigate the distinction between primarily- and secondarily-consumed prey items in gut content analyses of aquatic macroinvertebrates.