Question

From the following, the best definition of biomagnification is a. (in organisms) from tertiary consumer to producer, increasing concentrations of toxic substances O b. producers to tertiary consumers, demonstrating increasing concentration of toxic substances O c. increasing concentration of toxic substances in trophic levels O d. increasing concentrations of persistent substances in organisms from tertiary consumer to producer

Answer 1

Biomagnification is the process where toxic substances like DDT, PCBs, and mercury increase in concentration at higher trophic levels, from primary producers to apex consumers, affecting both ecosystems and human health.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phenomenon of biomagnification refers to the increasing concentration of persistent, toxic substances in organisms as one moves up through each trophic level of a food chain, from the primary producers to apex consumers. A classical example of a substance that undergoes biomagnification is the pesticide DDT, which led to the thinning of eggshells in bird species, as documented in Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring. Other substances that exhibit biomagnification include PCBs and heavy metals like mercury, which can have serious impacts on both aquatic ecosystems and human health, influencing dietary recommendations.

Answer 2

Biomagnification is the process where toxic substances increase in concentration at each trophic level in the food chain, from primary producers to apex consumers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best definition of biomagnification is 'b. producers to tertiary consumers, demonstrating increasing concentration of toxic substances'. Biomagnification refers to the increasing concentration of persistent, toxic substances in organisms at each successive trophic level, from the primary producers (such as phytoplankton) up to the apex consumers (like birds of prey or large fish). Substances like DDT and PCBs are not biodegradable and are fat-soluble, meaning they are stored in fat reserves and their concentration increases as they move up the food chain.