Page 572 - e-Book

specific features are frequently associated with the region’s fluvial aspects (Poff and Ward

1989, Lytle and Poff 2004). It is transparently observable that the distribution and abundance
of certain species of plants and animals can be determined and affected by even minute

changes in the hydrological regimes (e.g., Wetmore and others 1990).
Temperature

The increased emission of greenhouse gases due to anthropogenic activities is changing the
global climate (Houghton et al., 2001). Those irresponsible measures are the reasons for

global warming. The water temperature of most streams and rivers is directly proportional to

the rising atmospheric temperature and modifies fundamental ecological responses and
species distributions (Poff et al. 2002). A warmer environment fosters to melt off the icebergs

and glaciers resulting in the sea-level rise. Thus, wetlands are flooded by the sea-water. It can

be implied from the experimental studies that the shifting of species composition occurs
through a considerable increase in flood recurrence and probably also eradicate many species

(Poff et al., 1997). The derogative water quality could be one of the important grounds for
aquatic biodiversity loss (Waters, 1995). The hot water discharge from industries is another

reason for the increasing temperature of freshwater ecosystems. The increased temperature
also facilitates the algal bloom and sometimes the invasiveness showing the loss of

biodiversity.

The evapotranspiration rate is positively proportionate with the temperature. The higher
amount of water loss also hinders the biodiversity perseverance in the freshwater ecosystem.

Higher temperature is also responsible for the water-stressed condition rather than the
draught.

OTHER ANTHROPOGENIC ACTIVITIES
We are exploiting the land in the name of civilization. The dams, culverts are built for the

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