Scientists have noticed a disturbing trend in the freshwater ecosystems in North America: a large number of male fish are found to contain female egg cells growing inside their testes. The feminization of male fish is called intersex, and its exact cause is still baffling many scientists.
Many studies have shown that intersex can be induced when male fish are exposed to endocrine disruptors. An endocrine disruptor stimulates or inhibits the endocrine system, causing either an increase or decrease in hormone production. However, it is easier to demonstrate the direct cause and effect in a laboratory environment where the fish are only exposed to a single endocrine disruptor. In nature, there are many other variables such as low oxygen levels or warmer water temperatures that could also cause feminization in fish.
Name two endocrine disruptors, identify their source and explain how they can get into freshwater bodies? An example has been given.
Endocrine Disruptor: DDT
Source: pesticides
Method of Entering Water System: agricultural water runoff
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