When an ecosystem is polluted, scientist survey an area to see what species are present. Certain animals can be indicator species, or can tell us how polluted an area is. In fact, some of the best indicator species for ecosystem health are worms! Benthic worms, or worms living on the sea floor, have different tolerances of pollution. This means that some species of worms can handle more pollution than others. Depending on the species composition and if they are present in an area, scientists can determine how healthy or polluted an ecosystem is. Marine worms fall under a group of worms known as polychaetes.
-Christine
-Christine