Streams Their Ecology and Life

Streams are important habitats and are complicated because so many different kinds of animals and plants live in or near them. This book, in four parts, explains stream ecology to the general reader. The first part describes the ecological processes and interactions that take place in streams and rivers. The dynamic aspects of streams, including the abiotic factors, energy sources, and food webs, are defined, described, and reviewed. The second part of the book is a simplified classification of streams and rivers that relies on the size of the river as well as on the geographic location of rivers. The third part of the book is a description of the animals and plants commonly in and along the streams and rivers mostly of North America. The last chapter of the book is devoted to the various threats to America's rivers and streams. "This informative volume is exactly what has long been needed - a book that tells us how rivers and their essential life systems work. Every reader's understanding of our watery lifelines will be enhanced by the superb knowledge and wisdom that these fine scientists impart. Streams: Their Ecology and Life will become a useful tool for better care of our waterways and an essential companion to river enthusiasts." --TIM PALMER, author of Lifelines: The Case for River Conservation, America by Rivers, and The Heart of America.Cushing, Colbert E. is the author of 'Streams Their Ecology and Life', published 2001 under ISBN 9780120503407 and ISBN 0120503409.