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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 | |