Question

What was the unintended consequence for predatory birds when trees infected with Dutch Elm disease were sprayed with DDT? Please select TWO correct answers.

Answer 1

The unintended consequences for predatory birds when trees were sprayed with DDT included bioaccumulation resulting in thinning of eggshells, which caused a decline in bird populations due to egg breakage and reproductive issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

The spraying of trees infected with Dutch Elm disease using DDT had unintended consequences for predatory birds. These consequences include:

• Accumulation of DDT in the food chain leading to bioaccumulation in bird species at the top of the food chain, such as eagles and pelicans.
• High levels of DDT causing the eggshells of these birds to become so thin that they often broke during the nesting process, thus leading to a decline in bird populations due to unsuccessful reproduction.

These issues highlight the phenomena of biomagnification and the dangers of persistent chemical pesticides in the environment.