A Comparative Introduction to the Biology and Limnology of the African Great Lakes

摘要: Abstract The East African rift valley region contains the earth's largest aggregation of tropical lakes. Three these lakes—Victoria, Tanganyika, and Malawi—hold one quarter total surface freshwater supply, are home to a myriad fish species. Apart from diversity endemicity their biota, properties that distinguish Great Lakes North American counterparts include great age, long sedimentary records, residence times, persistent stratification, continuously warm temperatures at all depths, major ion composition, propensity for nitrogen limitation. Current management problems over-fishing, increased input sediment nutrients, in case Lake Victoria, loss endemic species proliferation introduced water hyacinth. As Laurentian basin, harmonization research programs strategies among various riparian countries is challenge. While activities on three lakes have last decade, there remains need integrated, multidisciplinary order develop conceptual numerical models provide insight into functioning large, tropical, aquatic ecosystems. Particular issues may be pursued most profitably links between climate biogeochemical cycles, role biodiversity ecosystem functioning, paleoclimate reconstruction over millions years.