Bioindicator species can provide early warnings of environmental problems, such as pollution or climate change. They can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of conservation efforts and to assess the overall health of an ecosystem.
Bioindicator species often have the following characteristics:
>- Sensitive to changes in their environment.
- Relatively easy to monitor.
- Widely distributed or common.
- Have a well-understood response to environmental changes.
Examples of bioindicator species include:
Lichens: Lichens are symbiotic organisms that consist of a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. They are sensitive to air pollution, and their abundance and diversity can be used to assess air quality.
Diatoms: Diatoms are single-celled algae that are found in both marine and freshwater environments. They are sensitive to changes in water quality, including pollution, eutrophication, and acidification.
Coral: Coral reefs are diverse marine ecosystems that are highly sensitive to changes in water temperature, light, and acidity. Coral bleaching, which is the loss of symbiotic algae from coral, is a sign of environmental stress.
By monitoring bioindicator species, scientists can gain valuable insights into the health of ecosystems and the impacts of human activities on the environment.