What term describes species that can live in a small amount of pollution?

The correct term refers to species that can survive in environments with some level of pollution but are not particularly specialized for highly polluted conditions. These species demonstrate a degree of resilience to pollutants, indicating a moderate tolerance to their presence. This characteristic allows them to thrive in waters that may have lower quality due to some degree of contamination but still remain relatively stable compared to more sensitive organisms.

In contrast, pollution-sensitive species typically cannot tolerate even minor amounts of pollutants and will decline or disappear as pollution rises. Highly sensitive species are even more restricted in their habitat preferences and may face extinction in polluted environments. Pollution tolerants, on the other hand, are those that can survive in heavily polluted conditions and actually thrive in environments that are uninhabitable for more sensitive species. Thus, the term emphasizing moderate tolerance captures the nuanced ability of certain species to withstand low levels of pollution without experiencing severe detrimental effects.