The Molecular Nature of Chemical Stimuli in the Aquatic Environment

Abstract

Many aquatic organisms possess well-developed chemosensory systems that are adapted to monitoring changes in the chemical composition of the aqueous environment in which they live. For aquatic organisms. specific chemicals in the environment may evoke highly predictable changes in behavior. Facets of behavior known to be affected by external chemicals include those associated with feeding. avoiding predators, recognizing a suitable habitat, reproducing, migrating. and interacting with conspecific organisms. General reviews of this material are provided by Mackie and Grant ( 1974). Daloze, Braekman. and Tursch (1980). and Atema (1985).