The Importance of Riparian Vegetation to Stream Ecosystems
نویسنده
چکیده
Ab$tract.--Riparian vegetation is very important in determining the structure and function of stream ecosystems. Most aquatic organisms, both invertebrates and fish, are directly or indirectly dependent on inputs of terrestrial detri tus to the stream for their food. Natural changes in riparian vegetation and the biotic processing of detritus, as well as other factors, determine the kinds and abundance of aquatic invertebrates living in streams, from headwaters to large rivers. Removal of riparian vegetation will sig nificantly affect stream organisms by: 1) decreasing detri tal (food) inputs; 2) increasing the potential for primary production in aquatic plants; 3) increasing summer water temperatures; 4) changing water quality and quantity; and 5) decreasing terrestrial habitat for adult insects.
منابع مشابه
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