Unraveling Invertebrate Eco-Physiological Adaptations to Anthropogenic Stressors

The study of stress responses in invertebrates is a burgeoning field, particularly when considering the vast diversity of taxa and their varied neuroendocrine components. Unlike vertebrates, these responses remain under-characterized, particularly in terms of understanding their primary neuroendocrine components. Stress in invertebrates often results in detrimental consequences such as energy reallocation, a weakened immune response, diminished reproductive and growth rates, and potentially mortality. A deep analysis of the mechanisms that underpin these stress responses is necessary, especially in the context of environmental stressors, many of which are exacerbated by anthropogenic activities and climate change.


This Research Topic aims to shed light on the numerous physiological responses exhibited by both aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates when confronted with stressors primarily derived from human activities, ranging from pollutants to climate change-related challenges. The consequences of such stressors can manifest as reduced physiological performance and increased susceptibility to adverse conditions but may also reveal invertebrates' resilience and adaptive capacities. Investigating these physiological adaptations is paramount for comprehending the survival capacity of species, a subject that has captivated scientific inquiry over recent decades. Invertebrates, given their biological diversity and roles as model organisms, offer invaluable insights into adaptation mechanisms and can even guide pest management strategies.


To gather further insights in the stress responses of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:


• The impact of global warming on invertebrate physiology and adaptation strategies

• Temperature extremes: physiological responses to cold and heat stress

• Effects of heavy metals and light metal exposure on invertebrate health and survival

• Influence of synthetic pesticides on invertebrate stress systems and ecology

• The role of natural substances in plant protection and their effects on invertebrates

• Pharmaceuticals in the environment: implications for invertebrate stress responses

• Persistent organic pollutants, such as dioxins, and their long-term effects on invertebrate populations

• Comparative analysis of neuroendocrine stress pathways in various invertebrates

• The role of invertebrates in ecosystems as indicators of environmental stress

• Contributions of invertebrate model organisms in understanding adaptation mechanisms

• Potential applications in pest management through manipulation of stress response pathways


Topic Editor Frédérique Hilliou has a PlantAlliance grant with Hemp-it-ADN. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Invertebrate Stress Responses, Neuroendocrine Components, Environmental Stressors, Physiological Adaptations, Climate Change

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.