Adaptive Responses of Marine Invertebrates to Environmental Stressors in Changing Ocean Conditions
Keywords:
Marine Invertebrates, Environmental Stressors, Ocean Acidification, Thermal Adaptation, Molecular Response, Climate ChangeAbstract
Marine invertebrates play a critical role in maintaining ocean ecosystem balance, yet they face increasing threats from changing environmental conditions such as ocean warming, acidification, hypoxia, and pollution. This study explores the diverse adaptive responses exhibited by marine invertebrates at physiological, behavioral, and molecular levels to withstand these escalating stressors. Through a synthesis of current research and case analyses, it highlights mechanisms such as heat-shock protein expression, metabolic regulation, acid–base balance, and genetic plasticity that enable species resilience. The paper further discusses evolutionary perspectives, ecological implications, and potential adaptive limits under rapid climate shifts. Understanding these adaptive strategies provides valuable insights into the capacity of marine invertebrates to cope with future ocean changes, contributing to conservation planning, biodiversity protection, and sustainable marine ecosystem management in the era of global climate transformation.
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