Natural river systems are complex and dynamic but can maintain stable ecological features. This complexity helps rivers cope with changes, but it can be threatened by disturbances that reduce this complexity. Using braided rivers as an example, this review looks at key resilience mechanisms in rivers, driven by variations in space and time. These mechanisms include shifting habitats, irregular water disturbances, and resilience through species traits and movement. Understanding these factors in braided rivers can provide insights into how to maintain resilience in river ecosystems. Additionally, feedback loops in braided rivers can transform these complex environments into simpler, single-channel systems, which are more vulnerable to floods and may lose important ecological features.
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