Info-disruption: pollution and the transfer of chemical information between organisms.
Many organisms use subtle chemical cues not only to find partners and food, but also to sense the presence of natural enemies and to avoid predation. As we discuss here, an increasing number of studies now show that low, non-toxic concentrations of chemicals, ranging from heavy metals and pesticides to seemingly harmless substances such as surfactants, can disrupt the transfer of chemical information, inducing maladaptive responses in both the signaller and the receiver. Similar to endocrine disruptors, these 'info disruptors' form a new class of chemical threats, which could have far-reaching implications for ecosystem functioning and conservation management.
Lürling
Miquel
M
Aquatic Ecology & Water Quality Management Group, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, PO Box 8080, 6700 DD Wageningen, the Netherlands. Miquel.Lurling@wur.nl
Scheffer
Marten
M
D000819:Animal Communication; D000818:Animals; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D010675:Pheromones / Q000502:physiology*; D011235:Predatory Behavior; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal
D010675:Pheromones