We test the sensitivity of taxonomic distinctness (TD) indices to human disturbance using both entire stream macroinvertebrate and insect-only assemb lages.
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We employed Δ+ and Λ+ to test their response in detecting stress in different levels.
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The Δ+ of insect taxa responded more readily to anthropogenic stress than did that of all taxa.
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Tolerant non-insect taxa add “noisy” information for the sensitivity of entire-taxa TD indices.