Chemicals effect gender of species

North Carolina State University researchers studying aquatic organisms called Daphnia have found that exposure to a chemical pesticide has impacts that span multiple generations. This caused the Daphnia to produce more male offspring, and caused reproductive problems in female offspring. The researchers are trying to figure out which genes code for gender of Daphnia. They conducted tests with similar chemicals to see if what is happening in nature is caused by the chemicals. As they increased the amount of chemicals the ratio of male to females increased and the number of ofspring decreased. Daphnia are a keystone species in their environment, and their extinction would result in a disruption of the food chain. 

 

Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130422111238.htm

NOS themes

1. Science is collaborative- There was a team of researchers working together to do the research.  

2.Science is based on evidence- The researchers had evidence that the chemicals had an effect on the Daphnia.