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

Toxins can bioaccumulate in organisms when they are not readily excreted or metabolized, when a secondary consumer feeds on organisms with toxins, when a primary consumer feeds on organisms with toxins, or when a primary producer is exposed to toxins in the environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The bioaccumulation of toxins can occur in all of the following instances:

1. If the toxins are not readily excreted or metabolized: When toxins are not easily eliminated or broken down by an organism, they can accumulate over time.
2. If a secondary consumer feeds on an organism with toxins in its tissues: When a secondary consumer consumes an organism that already has toxins in its tissues, those toxins can transfer to the secondary consumer.
3. If a primary consumer feeds on organisms with toxins in the tissues: Similarly, when a primary consumer consumes organisms that contain toxins in their tissues, the toxins can accumulate in the primary consumer.
4. If a primary producer is exposed to the toxins in the abiotic environment: If a primary producer, such as a plant or algae, is exposed to toxins in the environment, those toxins can be absorbed and accumulate in the producer.