Macrobenthic indicator species: From concept to practical applications in marine ecology

As marine ecosystems and habitats continue to degrade, scientists urgently need a simple and effective method to monitor and assess the ecological environment. Due to the sensitivity of indicator species to environmental changes and pollution, indicator species are widely used to monitor environmental changes and assess management practices. In recent years, indicator species have received significant attention from ecologists. Therefore, systematic introduction of indicator species holds considerable practical and theoretical significance. Firstly, the definition and development history of indicator species are introduced, including six macrobenthic taxa identified as indicator species, such as annelids, echinoderms, cnidarians, mollusks, crustaceans, and demersal fishes. Additionally, ten related terms are explained, and two main problems are identified: unclear meanings and repeated definitions. Next, the advantages of indicator species and their limitations in practical applications are discussed, considering human, species-specific, and environmental factors. Finally, specific examples of the application of indicator species are presented in ecological monitoring, habitat selection, and ecological early warning. Through this multi-dimensional introduction of indicator species, further discussions are expected to be stimulated, and their application and development in marine ecology promoted, thereby enhancing their role in habitat and ecological environment selection and assessment in the future. • The definition and history of indicator species are reviewed. • Six taxa of macrobenthic indicator species were introduced in details • Ten indicator species related terms were explained. • The advantages and limitations of indicator species are discussed. • Indicator species are applied in monitoring, habitat selection, and early warning.