|
Since riparian zones surround rivers, they form a
vast, branching network which winds its way throughout all forests. Where streams are abundant, this network is very dense, and covers
very large areas where rivers widen out into marshes and lakes. In other areas, there are fewer rivers and the riparian zone network is
much thinner.
Riparian zones serve as travel corridors for animals. Plants also use rivers as an efficient method of seed dispersal. Some types of trees grow only on the banks of rivers, and have specially developed seeds which fall to the water and float for great distances. A tropical forest waterfall, surrounded by thick vegetation. Photo by Maya Walters |
| Because these habitats are so moist, riparian zones often act as barriers for forest fires and protect the surrounding vegetation. |
riparian zones -- page 2 of 4
[1] [2] [3] [4]
related topics
[forest life] [seeds] [fire]
view the condensed version of the riparian zones article for faster printing/reading
return to the water article