Identify one environmental factor that affects aquatic pest distributions.

Water temperature plays a critical role in influencing the reproduction and distribution of aquatic pests. Most aquatic organisms, including pests, have specific temperature ranges that affect their physiological processes. Higher temperatures can accelerate reproduction rates, leading to increased populations of pest species. Conversely, lower temperatures may inhibit growth and reproduction, thereby affecting how and where these pests are distributed in aquatic environments.

In addition, temperature can influence other ecological factors, such as dissolved oxygen levels and nutrient availability, which also affect pest populations. Thus, understanding the role of water temperature is essential for effective aquatic pest management, as it can guide strategies for monitoring and controlling populations based on anticipated reproductive cycles and habitat suitability.