articleJAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources AssociationJan 26, 2007Closed access

The Contribution of Headwater Streams to Biodiversity in River Networks 1

JLJudy L. MeyerDLDavid L. StrayerJBJ. Bruce WallaceSLSue L. EggertGSGene S. Helfman

University of Georgia · Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies · +1 more institution

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Abstract

Abstract: The diversity of life in headwater streams (intermittent, first and second order) contributes to the biodiversity of a river system and its riparian network. Small streams differ widely in physical, chemical, and biotic attributes, thus providing habitats for a range of unique species. Headwater species include permanent residents as well as migrants that travel to headwaters at particular seasons or life stages. Movement by migrants links headwaters with downstream and terrestrial ecosystems, as do exports such as emerging and drifting insects. We review the diversity of taxa dependent on headwaters. Exemplifying this diversity are three unmapped headwaters that support over 290 taxa. Even…

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Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Biodiversity
  • STREAMS
  • Riparian zone
  • Habitat
  • Ecosystem
  • Ecology
  • River ecosystem
  • Environmental science
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Life in Land
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