Tropical Stream Ecology

Hardcover  370 pp  ISBN 9780120884490      £45.00

• 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)

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.

Of interest to freshwater biologists, ecologists, limnologists, water-resource managers, and environmental protection

Contents vPhysical and Chemical Features of Tropical Flowing Waters William M. Lewis, Jr.