How Does Habitat Structure Influence Toxic Exposure?
The complexity of habitat structure can significantly influence the exposure of organisms to toxicants. For instance, dense vegetation may act as a physical barrier, reducing the dispersion of airborne pollutants. Conversely, fragmented habitats can increase the vulnerability of species to toxic exposure by reducing their ability to escape contaminated areas.
Aquatic environments offer another perspective, where the layered structure of water bodies affects the distribution of pollutants. Stratification in lakes and oceans can lead to the accumulation of toxins at certain depths, thereby exposing organisms residing in those layers to higher concentrations of contaminants.
