Bioindicators

A bioindicator is a living organism that has the capability of providing information regarding the health of the ecosystem. These organisms are highly sensitive towards pollution in the environment and can change in its outward appearance, behaviour and its biochemical functions or may also be unable to survive.

Bioindicators vary in species and can be animals, microorganisms or even plants. The purpose of bioindicators are to detect if there is pollution in the area, such as toxins. The presence of toxins can affect the growth of certain plants, causing the depletion in food of animals in that area and it is a tell-tale sign that there is pollution in the area. Eutrophication is also an indication of pollution as it could mean there are large amount of nitrates and phosphorus in the waters.

There are of course, both pros and cons of using bioindicators to detect pollution.

Using bioindicators allow us to detect pollution at a possibly earlier stage so that preventive measures can be taken as soon as possible to prevent further spreading of such pollution. However, we have adversely caused the death of these species that are used as bioindicators and this can potentially endanger them. 

REFERENCES

Bioindicators definition & examples: http://sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/Enviro-imprints/Science-Ideas-and-Concepts/Bioindicators

Frog picture: http://www.savethefrogs.com/amphibians/images/Litoria-chloris-calling-2-a.JPG

Starfish picture: http://www.vliz.be/v/images/thumb/0/0d/Starfish.jpg/400px-Starfish.jpg