The river continuum concept suggests that one of the following is higher in headwater streams.
A)autochthonous carbon
B)allochthonous carbon
C)phytoplankton abundance
D)macrophyte abundance

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The river continuum concept states that as rivers flow downstream, there is a gradual shift in the relative importance of autochthonous (produced within the stream) and allochthonous (imported from outside the stream) organic matter sources. Headwater streams are typically dominated by allochthonous carbon, such as leaf litter and other organic debris from surrounding riparian vegetation, while downstream rivers are dominated by autochthonous carbon from within the water column. Therefore, the correct answer is allochthonous carbon (B).

The River Continuum Concept Suggests That One of the Following