What Are the Effects of Toxic Substances on Biodiversity?
The impact of toxic substances on biodiversity is profound. Exposure to harmful chemicals can lead to decreased reproduction rates, developmental anomalies, and mortality in sensitive species. This can result in a loss of biodiversity, affecting ecosystem resilience and function. The decline of keystone species, which play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem, can lead to cascading effects and alter the entire ecosystem dynamics.
