The freshwater biome gradient framework: predicting macroscale properties based on latitude, altitude, and precipitation

• DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2786
• Publication Date: 2019-07-01T17:59:53Z
• Authors: Walter K. Dodds; Lindsey Bruckerhoff; Darold Batzer; Anne Schechner; Casey Pennock; Elizabeth Renner; Flavia Tromboni; Kari Bigham; Samantha Grieger
• Keywords: Biome; Freshwater ecosystem; Terrestrial ecosystem

Abstract Understanding global ecological patterns and processes, from biogeochemical to biogeographical, requires broad‐scale macrosystems context for comparing contrasting ecosystems. Climate gradients (precipitation temperature) other continental‐scale shape freshwater environments due their influences on terrestrial direct indirect effects the abiotic biotic characteristics of lakes, streams, wetlands. We combined literature review, analyses open access data, logical argument assess characters systems across latitude elevation that drive precipitation, temperature, variability. explored predictive value analyzing in ecosystems at scale. found many based climate, particularly those dependent upon hydrologic linked biomes. For example, continental waters dry areas will generally be widely dispersed have higher probability drying network disconnection, greater temperatures, inorganic turbidity, salinity, lower riparian canopy cover relative with high precipitation. These factors influence local community composition ecosystem rates. Enough studies are now available or scale start characterize under a coherent conceptual framework, though considerable gaps exist tropics less developed regions. present illustrative global‐scale trends abiotic, biotic, anthropogenic impacts precipitation temperature further understanding aid prediction face change. view as occurring arrays multiple (including latitude, altitude, precipitation) rather than specific boundaries. While biomes capture some variability along these freshwaters, features such as, slope, geology, historical glaciation also freshwaters. Our framework is not so much single hypothesis way logically freshwaters scales relevant (1) evolutionary processes give rise biodiversity, (2) regulatory units ecosystems, (3) current scope vital services they provide.