Final answer:
True, the level of toxicity may increase when combining two or more pesticides due to synergistic toxicity. The process whereby toxic substances increase along trophic levels is known as biomagnification. Persistent organic pollutants are a significant concern as they are long-lasting, toxic, and accumulate in higher trophic levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
When combining two or more pesticides, the level of toxicity may indeed increase. This is known as synergistic toxicity, where the combined effect of the substances is greater than the sum of their individual effects. This phenomenon can be particularly hazardous for non-target species, including humans, and can lead to a variety of adverse health effects. It is critical to carefully follow guidelines when using pesticides to avoid unintended increases in toxicity.
The term that describes the process whereby toxic substances increase along trophic levels of an ecosystem is biomagnification. Biomagnification occurs when a toxin becomes more concentrated as it moves up the food chain. For example, persistent organic pollutants such as DDT are capable of accumulating in organisms and can become increasingly concentrated at higher trophic levels, posing greater risks to predators and, ultimately, humans.
Persistent organic pollutants such as certain pesticides are also long-lasting in the environment and have the characteristic of being toxic and accumulating in higher trophic levels, which poses significant risks to ecosystems and human health.