An article in Evolutionary Applications raises concerns about
the impacts of plastics in aquatic environments. It has already
been well-documented that Bisphenol A (BPA) affects animal
development and behavior because it mimics the hormone estrogen.
Consequences can include impairing the ability of males to
produce offspring. New Scientist reports that the new study, led
by Jessica Ward of the University of Minnesota in Saint Paul,
demonstrates effects that have further consequences with serious
implications for biodiversity. Fish exposed to BPA were more
likely than the unexposed fish to approach fish of the other
species and court them. Red shiners are an invasive species,
often introduced to new areas by fishermen who use them as bait.
They often hybridise with native species, and exposure to
oestrogen-mimicking chemicals like BPA could make it even more
likely that they would do so. Although it has a lower profile
than habitat loss and overhunting, interbreeding is a big threat
to biodiversity. “Hybridisa