Publications by authors named "Alexandra E Figueroa"
The blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, is a keystone species in the North Atlantic that plays critical roles in nutrient cycling, water filtration, and habitat creation. Blue mussel populations have declined significantly throughout the North Atlantic due to various factors, including habitat loss, pollution, increasing water temperature, and parasites. One parasite is Proctoeces maculatus, a digenetic trematode, which uses M.
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- Pesticide use in agriculture is leading to concerns about its effects on non-target species, particularly the freshwater amphipod, Hyalella azteca, which has developed resistance to chlorpyrifos due to genetic changes.
- Studies show that resistant H. azteca can absorb and retain higher levels of chlorpyrifos than non-resistant populations, raising risks for predator species in the ecosystem.
- The findings highlight the importance of understanding how resistant organisms behave in contaminated environments, as they may disrupt food webs more significantly than previously thought.