Biodiversity of macroinvertebrates assemblages in the aquatic systems in four touristic sites in the Centre Region of Cameroon and impact of environmental factors

Macroinvertebrates, which are small aquatic animals without backbones, can be useful indicators of pollution in streams and rivers, particularly near tourist sites in Cameroon. Their presence, diversity, and abundance can reflect the health of the water ecosystem, as some species are more sensitive to pollution than others are. All aquatic macroinvertebrates start life as eggs. Some aquatic macroinvertebrates spend their entire life in water, such as water boatmen and snails. They do not change much as they grow – they only get bigger (like humans do). Others, such as dragonflies and mayflies, spend part of their life in the water and part on land. The immature phases (larvae and nymphs) live in the water, and then they metamorphose (transform into adults) and spend the rest of their life on land. Basic aquatic macroinvertebrate adaptations: Antennae: Used for sensing food and​surroundings. Specialized mouthparts: Help with eating​food and are adapted based on their diet.​Specialized feet: Used to collect and eat food as well as hold onto substrate in riverbeds and ponds. Compound eyes: Help detect motion​and see in all directions.​Gills: Help with breathing dissolved oxygen in the water. Tails: Used for swimming and steering.​