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| Introduction | |
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| The Physical and Chemical Environment | |
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| Physical Geography of the Basin | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Geology | |
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| Climate | |
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| Hydrography | |
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| References | |
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| Geomorphology | |
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| The surrounding Regions | |
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| Neotectonics | |
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| Climate | |
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| Climatic Changes in the Quaternary | |
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| The Sediments | |
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| Geomorphology | |
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| References | |
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| Origin, Evolution, and Types of Floodplain Water Bodies | |
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| Introduction | |
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| The Middle Paran� Floodplain | |
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| Origin and Shape of Lentic Water Bodies | |
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| Lake Morphometry | |
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| Lake Evolution | |
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| Aquatic and Riparian Vegetation as a Morphological Factor | |
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| Concluding Remarks | |
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| References | |
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| The Physical Dynamics of the River-Lake Floodplain System | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Water Regime of the Floodplain Lakes | |
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| Suspended Sediments | |
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| Bottom Sediment Resuspension, Mixing Depth, and Sedimentation Rate | |
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| Water Temperature | |
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| Lake Heat Content | |
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| Work of the Wind and Stability of Stratification | |
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| Conclusions | |
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| References | |
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| Fluvial Sediments: Main Channel and Floodplain Interrelationships | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Basic Concepts | |
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| The Main Channel | |
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| Sediment Transport and Processes in the Alluvial Plain | |
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| Conclusions | |
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| References | |
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| The Geochemistry of the Paran� River: An Overview | |
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| introduction | |
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| Geological and Hydrological Framework | |
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| The Chemistry of Dissolved Components | |
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| The Signature of Weathering in the Drainage Basin | |
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| The Provenance of Sediments | |
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| Main Biogeochemical Characteristics | |
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| Conclusions | |
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| References | |
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| Plant Life | |
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| Phytoplankton | |
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| introduction | |
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| Phytoplankton Distribution Along the Main River and at Cross Channel | |
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| Temporary variations during Normal Hydrological Cycles and Extraordinary Periods in the Main Channel | |
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| Temporary Changes in Side Channels of Different Size and Connectivity Degree | |
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| Temporary Variations in Floodplain Lakes with Different Water Residence Time and Vegetation | |
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| Conclusions | |
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| References | |
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| Aquatic Macrophytes | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Plant Communities and Succession | |
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| Habitat Characteristics and Ecological Factors | |
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| Plant Dynamics and Growth | |
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| Biomass and Productivity | |
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| Use of Resources | |
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| Conclusions | |
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| References | |
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| Invertebrate Animal Life | |
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| Zooplankton | |
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| introduction | |
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| Zooplankton of Rivers and Floodplain Shallow Lakes: Similarities and Differences | |
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| Factors Regulating Zooplankton Abundance and Seasonal Distribution in Floodplain Lakes | |
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| Flood Pulse, Physical Variables and Potamozooplankton Dynamics | |
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| Zooplankton of the Main Channel and the Contribution of High Reaches and the Floodplain | |
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| Connectivity and Species Richness | |
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| Conclusions | |
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| References | |
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| Benthic Invertebrates | |
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| introduction | |
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| Spatiotemporal Longitudinal Patterns | |
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| Spatiotemporal Lateral and Vertical Patterns | |
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| Temporary Marginal Wetlands | |
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| Floodplain Lakes | |
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| Vertical Dimension | |
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| Factors Influencing the Benthic Structure | |
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| Functional Feeding Groups and Food Webs | |
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| Bivalvia Invasive Species in Benthic Communities | |
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| Conclusions | |
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| References | |
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| Littoral Communities. Macrocrustaceans | |
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| introduction | |
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| Biological Features | |
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| Intra-Interspecific Population Interaction | |
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| Trophic Relationships of Freshwater Decapods | |
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| Reproduction in Freshwater Decapods | |
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| Abiotic Factors Influence in Decapods | |
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| Conclusions | |
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| References | |
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| Vertebrate Animal Life | |
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| Fishes | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Richness, Distribution and Abundance of Species | |
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| Migratory Displacements | |
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| Reproductive Strategies and Life Histories | |
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| Feeding Habits | |
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| Respiratory Metabolism | |
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| Conclusions | |
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| References | |
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| Amphibians | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Amphibian Diversity and Natural History | |
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| Characterization of the Main Habitats that Provide Reproduction Sites or Refuges/Food | |
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| Final Remarks | |
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| References | |
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| Reptiles | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Species Richness and Ecological Traits | |
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| The Paran� River Floodplain as Biogeographical Corridor of Tropical Species | |
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| Influence of Flood Pulses and other Environmental Factors on the Reptile Community | |
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| Discussion and Conclusions | |
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| References | |
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| Birds | |
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| Introduction | |
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| Trophic Groups | |
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| Seasonal Dynamics | |
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| Reproductive Biology | |
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| References | |
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| Subject Index | |