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contaminant exposure in the natural environment because they link <br />biochemical effects to ecological consequences (Little 1990). As <br />our understanding of the nature of contaminant effects on fishes <br />changes, traditional methods of assessing chemical toxicity need <br />to be augmented with techniques that are more appropriate for <br />species of concern. Through use of a behavioral assay, this <br />research estimated probability of olfactory inhibition as a <br />function of copper and zinc concentration. Colorado squawfish <br />may have limited ability to physiologically adapt to toxicants <br />that inhibit olfaction, but extent of this ability is unknown and <br />may be overwhelmed by ambient levels of environmental <br />contaminants in the Colorado River Basin. <br />Acknowledgement <br />We thank K.R. Bestgen for statistical advice and <br />encouragement. H.T. Bestgen, K.E. Klima, and R.T. Muth provided <br />comments that improved the manuscript. P.J. Sikoski provided <br />laboratory assistance. This study was funded by the Recovery <br />Implementation Program for Endangered Fish Species in the Upper <br />Colorado River Basin. This program is a joint effort of the <br />U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, <br />Western Area Power Administration, States of Colorado, Utah, and <br />Wyoming, Upper Basin water users, and environmental <br />organizations. <br />22 <br />