Biodiversity of Stream Insects: Variation at Local, Basin, and Regional Scales

• DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.43.1.271
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T11:43:05Z
• Authors: Mark R. Vinson; Charles P. Hawkins
• Keywords: Variation (astronomy); Temporal scales; Spatial heterogeneity

We review the major conceptual developments that have occurred over last 50 years concerning factors influence insect biodiversity in streams and examine how well empirical descriptions theory match. Stream insects appear to respond both spatial temporal variation physical heterogeneity. At all scales, data largely support idea complexity promotes biological richness, although exceptions this relationship were found. These may be related we measure habitat at finer scales regional such as biogeographic history, broader scales. However, degree which local stream assemblages are influenced by processes is unknown.