Editorial: The role of rivers in the origins, evolution, adaptation, and distribution of biodiversity

Abstract

Rivers represent ubiquitous landscape features and affect biodiversity in fundamental ways. Not only do they provide the medium necessary to sustain aquatic life, but they also influence the structure and biodiversity of both riparian and non-riparian habitats. Therefore, rivers can potentially affect the origins, evolution, adaptation, and distribution of both aquatic and terrestrial biota. The goal of this Research Topic was to provide a forum to discuss recent advances in the study of the role of rivers in the ecology and evolution of biodiversity. Specifically, we aimed to highlight the current and historical role of rivers in the evolutionary process and reveal different ways by which rivers affect biodiversity. In this editorial, we will review (i) the role of rivers in the origin and evolution of species; (ii) how river reorganization can affect species diversity; (iii) the effect of riverine habitats as environmental filters; and (iv) the importance of community-based management for biodiversity conservation.