Abstract

While many environmental disturbances have no readily detectable effect on aquatic invertebrates in the short term, they may prevent normal reproduction and cause eventual local extinction of a species. Small temperature changes may interfere with diapause signals and prevent completion of the life cycle. Heavy metals and toxic substances may drastically reduce reproduction rates in species exposed to sublethal levels. Dissolved salts and pH affect organisms at abnormally high or low levels but most mechanisms are unknown. It is concluded that relatively little information is available on the effects of environmental disturbances on life cycles. Available information, however, is sufficient to provide evidence of many problems that require attention. Key words: life histories, benthos, environmental disturbances, toxic substances, diapause, temperature, heavy metals

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