Taxonomy, form, or function: Evaluating three approaches to using carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) as bioindicators in a coastal forest.

Arthropods have received considerable attention as biological indicators (bioindicators) as they are widespread, and easy to sample. Due to a shortage of trained taxonomists and limited resources, many taxa cannot be used, however. In this thesis, I use carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), which are taxonomically well known, to compare three approaches of bioindication, using a traditional taxonomic approach as the baseline. The taxonomic approach distinguished coarse differences in forest canopy removal, as did a recognizable taxonomic unit approach. The latter failed to provide the same level of precision based on diversity data, however. A functional trait approach yielded non-significant results, but demonstrated potential to provide more in-depth information, albeit at a considerable additional investment of time. All three approaches were found to have advantages and disadvantages, so I conclude that the choice of approach will depend on the availability of resources and the objectives of each bioindication study. --P.ii.