Fig. 1.

A model of aeolian dispersal of micrometazoan propagules and subsequent community development in aridland aquatic systems. Dispersal of dust and propagules (Brown dots) begins with physical processes (Brown arrows) that act as filters that sort all particles: (1) Sources (of particulate materials), (2) Anemochory (wind dispersal). For propagules, additional filters (Blue) govern potential for colonization: (3) ability enter into a desiccated state (propagule production), (4) resistance of propagules to stresses associated with drying and prolonged drought, and (5) resilience, the ability of the propagules to hatch depending on edaphic conditions. While life history adaptations of new arrivals or those already present (Dashed lines) may sanction persistence and hatching, continuance is not assured. Community development and propagule replenishment are biological processes. Collectively these processes work in concert shaping the α, β, and γ–diversity of active aquatic communities. Terms used describing aeolian and biotic processes are given in Supplementary Document 4.