Developments in Ecophysiological Research on Soil Invertebrates

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the ecophysiological research on soil invertebrates to gain insight into the mechanisms of stress resistance in natural environments and in habitats exposed to human disturbances. To trace the multiple adaptations of organisms in specific habitats, examples are presented of physiological and behavioral avoidance mechanisms, life-history adaptations, and tolerance mechanisms in soil inhabiting species of dune and heathlands and of polluted habitats. The stress factors drought, temperature, food supply, both absence of food and mineral shortage, and the presence of toxic substances are presented. Research on resistance mechanisms of invertebrates to stress factors like drought, cold, and heat is restricted to animals of extreme habitats like deserts and Polar Regions. Temperate animals, however, meet similar stresses, which can be reflected in the potential of their resistance mechanisms. The chapter discusses the paucity of such research on temperate soil invertebrates and the need for similar studies on this group. The chapter also focuses on the interaction of metals and other vital elements: several synergistic, competitive, and antagonistic actions are known or suspected.