Abstract
Temporary ponds and streams are found in many parts of the world. They are essentially natural bodies of water which experience a recurrent dry phase of varying duration. The emphasis is on the cyclical nature of drought in these habitats as permanent water bodies are also capable of going dry in exceptional years. In such cases, however, most of the permanent water fauna will be wiped out because it is not adapted to survive such conditions. Cyclical temporary water bodies, on the other hand, select for species which are adapted to these conditions.
We have short time to stay, as you, We have as short a Spring, As quick a growth to meet decay, As you or any thing. — Robert Herrick, 1591-1674
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© 1987 D. Dudley Williams
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Williams, D.D. (1987). Introduction to Temporary Waters. In: The Ecology of Temporary Waters. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-6084-1_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-6084-1_1
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-011-6086-5
Online ISBN: 978-94-011-6084-1
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