Cross site investigation using LTER Data.

The influence of changes in terrestrial plant community structure on aquatic ecosystem function across the LTER network

Synthesis Riparian zones help maintain regional biodiversity,4 and we hypothesize that alterations to these ecotones could have large impacts on aquatic ecosystem function. Two examples from LTER sites illustrate this hypothesis. Current declines in eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) resulting from woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) infestations are altering riparian tree community composition5 and ecosystem function6 in… Read more »