From demographic strategies to mathematical models: trends in population dynamics studies of aquatic Oligochaeta

The study of the population dynamics of aquatic oligochaetes is still largely a descriptive subject. However, going beyond description is essential in any field of science. This paper analyses the methodological approaches that can be used in this process, together with some examples from each of these approaches as they have been applied to aquatic oligochaetes. Observation and experiments in the field, laboratory experiments, and mathematical models are reviewed. Increased use of tools that are regarded as standard in the field of population dynamics at large and interaction with applied disciplines are advocated as ways to improve the quality of research in this field.