Question

bioaccumulation of toxins can occur in which of the following instances? a. if the toxins are not readily excreted or metabolized b. if a secondary consumer feeds on an organism with toxins in its tissues c. if a primary consumer feeds on organisms with toxins in the tissues d. if a primary producer is exposed to the toxins in the abiotic environment e. all of the above f. none of the above

Answer 1

The answer to the question is 'e. all of the above'. Bioaccumulation occurs when toxins are not easily removed from an organism's system and increase in concentration up the food chain.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bioaccumulation of toxins can occur in which of the following instances? The correct answer is e. all of the above. Bioaccumulation refers to the build-up of nonbiodegradable substances within an organism because they are not readily excreted or metabolized, leading to increasing concentrations at higher trophic levels. This can occur when a secondary consumer feeds on an organism with toxins in its tissues, or when a primary consumer ingests organisms that have absorbed toxins. Even primary producers can accumulate toxins if they are exposed to them in the abiotic environment. Examples of such substances include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT, and heavy metals like mercury.