Biomagnification

Definition

Biomagnification is the process by which the concentration of toxins increases as they move up through successive levels of a food chain. This phenomenon occurs because predators accumulate higher toxin levels than their prey.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Biomagnification primarily affects top predators in an ecosystem, such as large fish, birds of prey, and mammals.
2. The most common toxins involved in biomagnification are persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including DDT and PCBs.
3. Toxins involved in biomagnification are typically fat-soluble, allowing them to accumulate in fatty tissues.
4. Human activities, such as industrial discharge and pesticide use, are significant sources of contaminants that lead to biomagnification.
5. Biomagnification can have severe ecological consequences, including reproductive failures and population declines in wildlife.

Review Questions

• Why do top predators tend to have higher toxin concentrations than organisms lower in the food chain?
• What characteristics make certain toxins prone to biomagnification?
• How can human activities contribute to the process of biomagnification?

Related terms

Bioaccumulation: The build-up of toxic substances within an individual organism over time due to absorption from the environment or consumption of contaminated food.

Trophic Level: A step in a food chain or ecological pyramid occupied by organisms with similar feeding modes, such as producers or primary consumers.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Chemical substances that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate through the food web, and pose risks to human health and the environment.