This book describes the main features of tropical streams and their ecology. It covers the major physico-chemical features, important processes such as primary production and organic-matter transformation, as well as the main groups of consumers: invertebrates, fishes and other vertebrates. Information on concepts and paradigms developed in north-temperate latitudes and how they do not match the reality of ecosystems further south is expertly addressed. The pressing matter of conservation of tropical streams and their biodiversity is included in alomost every chapter, with a final chapter providing a synthesis on conservation issues. For the first time, Tropical Streams Ecology places an important emphasis on viewing research carried out in contributions from international literature. * First synthetic account of the ecology of all types of tropical streams * Covers all of the major tropical regions * Detailed consideration of possible fundamental differences between tropical and temperate stream ecosystems * Threats faced by tropical stream ecosystems and possible conservation actions * Descriptions and synstheses life-histories and breeding patterns of major aquatic consumers (fishes, invertebrates).

1. Physical and Chemical Features of Tropical Flowing Waters -- 2. Primary Production in Tropical Streams and Rivers -- 3. Organic Matter Processing in Tropical Streams -- 4. Macroinvertebrates: Composition, Life Histories and Production -- 5. Fish Ecology in Tropical Streams -- 6. Aquatic, Semi-Aquatic and Riparian Vertebrates -- 7. Riparian Wetlands of Tropical Streams -- 8. Tropical High-Altitude Streams -- 9. Are Tropical Streams Ecologically Different from Temperate Streams? -- 10. Tropical Stream Conservation.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Print version record.

Elsevier ScienceDirect All Books