To test whether afforestation with eucalyptus affects the amount, quality, and timing of litter inputs, we evaluated inputs coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) to 2 headwater streams, one flowing through a mixed deciduous forest plantation Eucalyptus globulus. Vertical lateral traps were sampled at least monthly, material collected was sorted into 4 main categories: fallen leaves (several species), fruits flowers, twigs bark, debris. The resulted in reduction 32% total 73% compared...

Summary Temperate forests managed to maximize sustainable yield of wood products can reduce the availability dead on forest floor and in adjacent streams, which turn impair ecological processes such as retention transformation organic matter. Lack tools link with their effects human well‐being leads managers ignore cost other services from terrestrial aquatic ecosystems. We examine how adding restore stream channel complexity affects provision value selected ecosystem services, mainly...

1. Channel complexity affects the physical structure, biotic communities and functioning of stream ecosystems. Large wood (LW) is a key element in creation maintenance physically complex channels forested areas. 2. In an attempt to enhance habitat quality ecosystem reduce inputs organic matter downstream reservoir, LW was experimentally introduced into four mountain streams Basque Country (northern Spain), ranging channel width from 3 13 m. Following before–after/control–impact (BACI)...

We tested the hypothesis that wood influences stream channel morphology, sediment composition, retention, and storage of organic matter by experimentally removing all from 2 first-order reaches (ca 90 m length) neighboring tributaries (Salderrey Cuchillo streams) in Agüera catchment (Basque Country, Spain). established control upstream these treatment reaches. completed maps substrate, fill/scour transects, surveys 1997 (prior) 1998 (after) removal. measured monthly inputs fine to In...

SUMMARY 1. Breakdown of wood was compared at three sites the Agüera catchment (Iberian Peninsula): two oligotrophic first‐order reaches (one under deciduous forest, other Eucalyptus globulus plantations) and one third‐order reach mixed where concentration dissolved nutrients higher. 2. Branches (diameter = 3 cm, length 10 cm) oak ( Quercus robur ), alder Alnus glutinosa pine Pinus radiata ) eucalyptus, plus prisms (2.5 × 2.5 heartwood were enclosed in mesh bags (1 cm size) placed streams....

Although citizenship's literacy in biodiversity is a promising way of confronting its loss, the unawareness about this topic generalised particularly regarding plants. The latter phenomenon, named Plant Blindness (PB), not only refers to inability notice and identify surrounding plants, but also lack knowledge basics plant biology subsequent ignorance value Hence, aim research has been assess whether secondary students experience PB analyse if phenomenon can be interrelated with their...

Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve holds a diversity of habitats and resources that are essential for migratory bird species' conservation, at the same time provides rich milieu development environmental education programs. This study evaluates impact daylong place-based program, performed Bird Center (UBC), on secondary students' attitudes knowledge. Students (n = 908) completed written questionnaire where their perceptions marshes, together with interest in biodiversity, knowledge about migration...

Abstract Identifying the mental models held by students has been widely emphasized as being a pivotal aspect of effective science education. In fact, it allows us to understand students’ conceptions, detect teaching-learning difficulties and tailor instruction accordingly. Hence, in this study, plant nutrition upper secondary were investigated empirically validated with aim detecting most pressing learning demands providing instructional guidelines improve topic. order unveil 5-question...

Summary Organic matter inputs to streams can be retained in contrasting sites, from small leaf packs on top of cobbles thick organic deposits trapped by wood jams. Differences environmental conditions and stability among sites affect the biological communities, quality its use consumers. We measured accumulation composition coarse breakdown alder leaves surface streambed, inside gravel bars litter log also monitored fungal sporulation rates macroinvertebrate diversity density these retention...

Abstract Dead wood has been identified as an important structural component of stream ecosystems, and researchers have stressed its role in retaining sediments organic matter, increasing habitat diversity providing refugia for aquatic organisms. Because it is a highly refractory compound, known to take very long periods break down underwater, considered slow source dissolved or fine particulate matter. We evaluated the contribution dead total carbon flux two headwater forested streams...

Abstract – Streams in the Aiako Harria Natural Park (Basque Country, Spain) have excellent water quality, but are physically impoverished after centuries of snagging. In an attempt to restore channel complexity and ecosystem functioning, especially in‐channel retention sediments organic matter, large woody debris (LWD) was introduced into four mountain streams (channel width 3–13 m) following a before/after, control/impact (BACI) design. Logs were by means hand‐held machinery located...

Species literacy is an important aspect of biodiversity education. This study assesses the ability secondary students (12/13 years old; n = 944) to list wild animals and plants aims determine whether this linked with their interest in nature, preferences towards different groups therein, school type (public or private), per capita income size students' hometowns. We have observed that claim a very high but they spontaneously recall worrisome proportion exotic species (especially animals), as...

The importance of local processes on river habitat characteristics: A Basque stream case studyHabitats are the places where organisms live and defined by a set abiotic biotic characteristics that affect individual fitness community structure.Therefore, can be linked to long list relevant variables, including hydraulics, channel form, substrate composition, water quality, irradiance, abundance organic matter.Habitat preferences well known for some species, particularly salmonids, but large...

This paper examines the beliefs and environmental attitudes of university individuals towards bottled tap water use availability sales volumes at University Basque Country. The research employed a mixed methods approach including (i) an exploratory survey to document behaviors water; (ii) written questionnaires addressed faculty administrators inquire about accessibility and, (iii) personal interviews with restaurant managers water. Respondents our predominately drink no health or taste...

We studied the amount, size and dynamics of woody debris in 4 reaches Aguera stream catchment (northern Iberian Peninsula): three sites (1st-, 2nd- 3rd-order) surrounded by deciduous forests, one 1st-order site under a plantation Eucalyptus globulus. From July 1995 to February 1997, on six occasions, all wood pieces larger than I cm diameter were measured; logs (diameter>5 cm) tagged their positions recorded. The volume was relatively low decreased downstream: 13,700 3 /m 2 at headwater...