Physical heterogeneity is a strong driver of ecosystem function in rivers, but it is not clear whether this relationship persists in “Anthropocene” rivers: those affected by pronounced and persistent anthropogenic stressors. Such stressors can result in regime shifts of rivers, altering not only ecosystem structure and function, but also their heterogeneity. This study examines the heterogeneity of the physical template and ecosystem function of the Illinois River (Illinois, USA), as an example of an Anthropocene River. This river was biologically dead for most of its length in the mid 1900′s because of multiple anthropogenic stressors. A systemic reduction in physical heterogeneity of the Illinois River also resulted in simplification of its physical environment. Multiple lines of evidence demonstrate the physical simplification of the river channel caused the homogenization of ecosystem function. The significant overlap in trophic niche spaces, convergence of isotope ratios, dominance of benthic contributions to higher-level consumers, increased food chain lengths, plus the emergence of only two food webs indicate a simpler river ecosystem. Limited attention to the role of heterogeneity in anthropogenically modified river systems not only restricts understanding of resilience in rivers, but also the application of resilience thinking to managing these globally important ecosystems.

物理异质性是河流生态系统功能的重要驱动力，但尚不清楚这种关系是否在“人类世”河流中持续存在：受明显且持续的人为压力影响的河流。这些压力会导致河流政权转移，不仅改变生态系统的结构和功能，而且改变其异质性。本研究以人类世河为例，考察了伊利诺伊河（美国伊利诺伊州）的物理模板和生态系统功能的异质性。由于多种人为压力源，这条河在1900年代中期大部分时间因生物死亡。伊利诺伊河物理异质性的系统性减少也导致其物理环境的简化。多条证据表明，河道的物理简化导致了生态系统功能的均质化。营养生态位空间的显着重叠，同位素比率的趋同，底栖生物对高级消费者的贡献占主导地位，食物链长度增加以及仅有两个食物网的出现表明河流生态系统更为简单。对异质性在人为修改的河流系统中的作用的关注有限，不仅限制了人们对河流复原力的理解，而且还限制了复原力思想在管理这些全球重要生态系统中的应用。再加上只有两个食物网的出现表明河流生态系统更加简单。对异质性在人为修改的河流系统中的作用的关注有限，不仅限制了人们对河流复原力的理解，而且还限制了复原力思想在管理这些全球重要生态系统中的应用。再加上只有两个食物网的出现表明河流生态系统更加简单。对异质性在人为修改的河流系统中的作用的关注有限，不仅限制了对河流复原力的理解，而且还限制了复原力思想在管理这些全球重要生态系统中的应用。