Infochemical
Infochemicals (Source: DTE)
Climate change is impacting chemical communication in the animal world, with significant consequences for ecosystems and human well-being. Chemical signals, known as infochemicals, play a crucial role in interactions between organisms and regulate ecological processes. Climate change is altering the production of these chemicals, such as pheromones, affecting various species and disrupting vital functions and behaviours.
Example 1: Warming temperatures decay the pheromones used by some ant species, making it difficult for them to follow trails.
Example 2: Rising CO₂ levels in water affect the evasion abilities of water fleas, while coral reef damselfish lose their ability to recognize predators.
Example 3: Climate change-associated stressors disrupt chemical interactions across entire ecosystems, with implications for disease-causing pathogens and their hosts.
Understanding these impacts is essential for mitigating the effects of climate change on communication and preserving ecological balance.
Usage: The examples can be used in Environment Paper