Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification Flashcard

Front

What is bioaccumulation?

Back

The process by which toxins build up in individual organisms over time.

Front

Where does bioaccumulation occur within a food web?

Back

At every trophic level of the food web.

Front

Which organisms contain the lowest concentration of chemical pollutants in a food web?

Back

Producers.

Front

In a polluted ecosystem, which organism would likely have the highest level of toxic chemicals?

Back

Tertiary consumers (e.g., Trout).

Front

What is biomagnification?

Back

The process by which toxins increase in concentration as they move up the food chain.

Front

What is the role of producers in a food web?

Back

Producers convert sunlight into energy and form the base of the food web.

Front

What are primary consumers?

Back

Organisms that eat producers; they are the second trophic level in a food web.

Front

What are secondary consumers?

Back

Organisms that eat primary consumers; they are the third trophic level in a food web.

Front

What are tertiary consumers?

Back

Organisms that eat secondary consumers; they are at the top of the food web.

Front

What does the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants do?

Back

Bans the production of PCBs and other harmful chemicals.