Researchers introduce macrosystems approach to study stream ecology

By Jennifer Tidball (Kansas State University)

Kansas State University scientists and collaborators have developed a new method for studying a variety of streams — including tropical, prairie or forested streams — across continents.

Walter Dodds, university distinguished professor of biology, has led the researchers in creating the Stream Biome Gradient Concept, which is a way to compare streams in different climates and different continents. The concept can improve how researchers study streams worldwide.

"This model will help us understand how to regulate and conserve streams and protect water quality," Dodds said. "It's important to think in broad terms and in the context that people, plants and animals interact with streams. Understanding biodiversity is crucial."

The researchers have introduced the Stream Biome Gradient Concept in the Freshwater Science article "The Stream Biome Gradient Concept: factors controlling lotic systems across broad biogeographic scales."

Other Kansas State University researchers involved include Keith Gido, professor of biology, and Bartosz Grudzinski, visiting assistant professor of geography. Other researchers include Melinda Daniels, an adjunct professor of geography at Kansas State University and associate research scientist at the Stroud Water Research Center in Pennsylvania; and Matt Whiles, professor of zoology at Southern Illinois University.

All of the researchers have studied grassland streams, which share characteristics with other desert and forested streams. They developed the Stream Biome Gradient Concept to take a macrosystems ecology approach, which involves viewing systems on a continental or national scale.

"This concept is important because most previous research has involved temperate, forested streams," Dodds said. "We don't know exactly how that applies to streams in other areas, such as tropical, desert, prairie or tundra streams."

The Stream Biome Gradient Concept can help develop hypotheses to test at NEON's aquatic sites by external researchers.

"We're hopeful that this work will help people develop a broader and more comprehensive view of the way that stream ecosystems function," Dodds said. "Stream research is getting more mature and focused on large-scale questions. It's a natural progression to think in the largest possible terms and link our conceptual research to a scale where people interact with aquatic habitats."

The researchers received funding support from the National Science Foundation, the Konza Long-Term Ecological Research program and the International Grasslands Center.