Model species for ecotoxicological tests are not identical
Scientists at the Senckenberg Research Center for Biodiversity and Climate, in conjunction with the medium-sized company ECT Oekotoxikologie GmbH, have found proof that different species of earthworms are being used for ecotoxicological tests. Ecotoxicology employs standardized test procedures that work with model organisms to assess the potentially harmful impact of anthropogenic substances on ecosystems. In order to guarantee the compatibility of these tests on a global scale, the laboratories use model species specified by international guidelines, including a species of earthworm. However, the study recently published in the scientific journal Applied Soil Ecology shows that this earthworm species actually comprises several different species.