EDCs reverse the physical sex-characteristics and also affect the brain in a turtle species

Developmental exposure to BPA overrides the brain development of male turtles

Bisphenol A sex-reverses behavior in turtles, mubondlsc, 19 August 2016.

Developmental exposure to BPA essentially overrides the brain development of male turtles as indicated by the enhanced navigational ability of the turtles studied.

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Turtles are known as an “indicator species” because they can be used as a barometer for the health of the entire ecosystem. By understanding the possible effects EDCs have on turtles, researchers might be able to understand the possible effects the chemicals have on other wildlife species and humans

  • BPA Can Disrupt Painted Turtles’ Brain Development Could be a Population Health Concern, munews.missouri.edu, Aug. 23, 2016.
  • Effects of developmental exposure to bisphenol A and ethinyl estradiol on spatial navigational learning and memory in painted turtles (Chrysemys picta), Hormones and Behavior, Volume 85, September 2016, Pages 48–55.
  • Watch our EDCs video playlist on YouTube.

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