Biological stressors are factors that negatively affect an organism's ability to function normally in its daily life. These stressors impact the body's ability to carry out its usual activities. Unlike physical or chemical stressors, biological stressors originate from living organisms or their byproducts.
Types and Examples of Biological Stressors
Examples of biological stressors include:
- Illness: Diseases, infections, and parasites all place significant stress on the body, impacting its ability to function optimally. This can range from minor ailments to debilitating conditions.
- Injury: Physical trauma, wounds, and other injuries disrupt normal bodily processes, leading to stress responses. This can be acute or chronic, and includes impacts to mobility and overall function.
- Disability: Long-term health conditions resulting in physical or cognitive limitations act as continuous stressors, impacting daily life and overall health.
- Invasive species: The introduction of non-native organisms can disrupt ecosystems and create stress for native populations through competition for resources or predation. Source: https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/397
- Parasites: These organisms live on or within a host, often leading to disease and stress. The impact can vary greatly depending on the parasite and the host.
- Pathogens: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other disease-causing agents place considerable stress on the infected organism, affecting its ability to thrive.
- Competition for resources: Overpopulation or the introduction of new species competing for limited resources (food, shelter, mates) can stress the existing population. Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/nclimate2441
Impact and Assessment of Biological Stressors
The impact of biological stressors can range from subtle physiological changes to severe illness or death. Their effects are often studied using a risk-based approach, such as case-control studies for aquatic systems. Source: /programs/water/TMDL/Pages/default.aspx Exposure analysis for biological stressors may focus on how the stressor enters an environment, how it disperses, and its overall impact. Source: https://www.epa.gov/ecobox/epa-ecobox-tools-stressors-biological The study of biological stressors is crucial in understanding ecosystem health and the overall impact on populations and communities. The EPA recognizes that stressors (physical, chemical, or biological) can directly or indirectly cause significant biological responses. Source: https://www.epa.gov/caddis/learn-about-stressors
Stress from biological sources can profoundly affect various aspects of an organism's life. Understanding these stressors is critical for developing effective management strategies and promoting overall health and well-being, both at an individual and ecosystem level.
