Sublethal: meaning, definitions and examples
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sublethal
[ sʌbˈliːθəl ]
biological effects
Sublethal refers to a dose or exposure level of a toxin or harmful agent that does not kill an organism but may cause detrimental effects. Such effects can include impaired growth, reproduction failures, or behavioral changes, which can have significant impacts on populations and ecosystems.
Synonyms
non-lethal, partially harmful, sub-toxic.
Examples of usage
- Sublethal doses of pesticides can affect pollinator behavior.
- The study examined sublethal effects of chemicals on fish.
- Sublethal stress from environmental changes can weaken animal resilience.
Etymology
The term 'sublethal' is derived from two components: the prefix 'sub-', which means 'below' or 'less than,' and 'lethal,' which comes from the Latin word 'lethalis,' meaning 'pertaining to death.' 'Lethal' refers to something that can cause death; therefore, 'sublethal' describes situations or conditions that are not deadly but still pose risks to individuals or populations. The concept of sublethal effects has gained significant attention in scientific research, particularly in ecotoxicology, where researchers study how environmental pollutants can have adverse effects on organisms at levels that do not directly cause death. Over the years, the understanding of how sublethal effects operate within ecosystems has deepened, highlighting the importance of considering these impacts in environmental assessments and regulatory policies.