Diapositiva 1

1
UNIT5
Ecosystems
RIVERS
Natural Science 2. Secondary Education
2
UNIT5
Rivers

• Rivers are ecosystems that are defined by the
  movement of water. There are two different river
  zones
• The upstream portion of the river, where there is
  a turbulent flow of water. Animals with more
  hydrodynamic shapes, which are therefore better
  able to swim, inhabit this area.
• The midstream and downstream area of the river,
  where animals are adapted to this zones
  characteristic warmer and slower moving water.

Perches are adapted to the slow moving water of
the midstream and downstream zones.
Otters are very hydrodynamic, an adaptation to
fast river currents.
Natural Science 2. Secondary Education
3
UNIT5
Rivers
Biodiversity in rivers
Dragonfly
White-throated dipper
Caddisfly
Kingfisher
Commonfrog
Water snake
Otter
Iberian newt
Crayfish
Trout
Freshwater mussel
Diving beetle
Natural Science 2. Secondary Education
4
UNIT5
Rivers
Why rivers are important

• Rivers are very important because
• They are rich in biodiversity.
• They are a source of energy (as they can be used
  to produce hydroelectrical power).
• They deposit sediment and nutrients that help
  maintain coastal ecosystems.

Land located downstream of rivers is very fertile
because of the sediments deposited by these
bodies of water.
Natural Science 2. Secondary Education