Figure 21.16 Leaf decomposition in a stream. (a) When nine species of leaves in mesh bags were added to a stream in Germany, the decomposition rate was slower in leaf species that contained more lignin in their tissues. (b) The researchers also assessed the contribution of aquatic invertebrates to leaf decomposition by using large-mesh and fine-mesh leaf bags. After 55 days, the leaves in the fine-mesh bags, which excluded invertebrates, experienced 20 percent less decomposition compared to the large-mesh bags, which allowed invertebrates to enter. Error bars are standard errors.

Data from M. H. Schindler and M. O. Gessner, Functional leaf traits and biodiversity effects on litter decomposition in a stream, Ecology 90 (2009): 1641–1649.