Ecologists have considered rivers as a linear, longitudinal sequence for a long time. However, all rivers represent dendritic networks composed of a variety of tributaries with unidirectional nature of water flow. These riverine attributes generate the high variability in branch habitats (tributaries) and directional movements of organisms and materials that mediate connections among heterogeneous components within a riverine network, potentially leading to novel interactions in ecological dynamics. The aim of this session is to deepen understanding of riverine ecological and ecosystem processes. We illustrate how dendritic structure and/or directionality in movement affect population and community dynamics, food web linkages and material cycling. Finally, we would like to discuss how to capture the potential emergent properties in river systems and future directions.

Commentators: Mary E. Power (UC Berkeley), Tadashi Miyashita (Univ. of Tokyo)