Are Behavioral Ecotoxicity Endpoints Relevant at the Population Level? Evidence-Based Insights for Environmental Protection
Bertram, Michael G Ågerstrand, Marlene Balshine, Sigal Brand, Jack A Brooks, Bryan W Dang, ZhiChao Ford, Alex T Hollert, Henner LeFauve, Matthew K Manera, Jack L
Bertram, Michael G
Ågerstrand, Marlene
Balshine, Sigal
Brand, Jack A
Brooks, Bryan W
Dang, ZhiChao
Ford, Alex T
Hollert, Henner
LeFauve, Matthew K
Manera, Jack L
Series / Report no.
Open Access
Type
Journal Article
Review
Article
Review
Article
Language
en
Date of publication
2025-12-23
Year of publication
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Title
Are Behavioral Ecotoxicity Endpoints Relevant at the Population Level? Evidence-Based Insights for Environmental Protection
Translated Title
Published in
Environ Sci Technol 2026; 60(1):86-95
Abstract
A substantial body of evidence exists demonstrating that exposure to environmental contaminants can alter animal behavior. Moreover, methodological and technological advancements, as well as increasing standardization, mean that behavioral ecotoxicity studies are more rigorous and reliable than ever before. Despite this, behavioral data are still seldom used in the risk assessment and regulation of chemicals. This is partly due to a lack of clarity among some stakeholders about whether changes in behavior at the individual level result in population-level outcomes. To address this, we first consider the state of evidence within the field of behavioral ecotoxicology linking individual-level behavioral alterations with population-level consequences. We then assess the evidence from behavioral ecology and other neighboring fields that supports this link. Further, we evaluate whether some behavioral endpoints are more easily tied to population-level changes than others. In this regard, we propose combining insights from two complementary ecological frameworks─the functional trait framework and the limiting traits framework─to evaluate which behaviors should be prioritized in ecotoxicological research and regulatory efforts. We contend that the link between behavioral changes and population-level outcomes is evident, with behavioral endpoints representing a highly valuable yet so far underutilized line of evidence in applied environmental protection.