Freshwater Animal Diversity in Time and Space

Freshwater ecosystems are considered the most vulnerable on a global scale, with the highest rates of extinction currently observed in them. They are also heavily affected by the invasions of alien species and the biota homogenization. Understanding current processes in freshwater basins and predicting possible future changes requires a complete understanding of the current state of freshwater biota and the mechanisms by which it is formed. It is also important to understand the factors that determine patterns of freshwater biodiversity on a global scale. These ecosystems have been studied unevenly, with freshwater habitats in the global South being the least studied. Another important challenge is the integration of data obtained from studying the geological record and information on extant populations and communities of freshwater organisms.

The aim of the Research Topic is to bring together research conducted by specialists in various groups of freshwater animals, including invertebrates and vertebrates, that would cover a wide range of issues related to the systematics, phylogeny and zoogeography of particular animal taxa, the formation of freshwater faunas and communities, and their paleontological history. The central problem is the study of the dynamics of freshwater animal diversity both in space (macroecological trends and patterns) and in time (the origin and evolution of freshwater animal communities).

We particularly welcome interdisciplinary (integrative) studies examining and discussing various aspects of freshwater animal diversity using a variety of research approaches. Review articles on topics attractive to a broad range of freshwater scientists are also of particular interest. We will also consider high-quality case studies on more specific topics, provided they are comprehensively covered. The preferred topics of contributions are evolution and diversification of freshwater animals, their phylogeny and systematics as well as various aspects of ecology. With regard to zoogeographic issues, large-scale studies demonstrating various macroecological patterns and processes are of greatest interest.