Bioaccumulation/Biomagnification

Front

What is bioaccumulation?

Back

Bioaccumulation is the process by which organisms accumulate toxic substances from their environment faster than they can eliminate them.

Front

What is biomagnification?

Back

Biomagnification is the increase in concentration of toxic substances in the tissues of organisms at each successive level of the food chain.

Front

Which organisms are most affected by biomagnification?

Back

Apex predators, such as hawks and sharks, are most affected by biomagnification because they are at the top of the food chain.

Front

How does energy transfer in a food chain?

Back

Energy transfer in a food chain is inefficient; only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is passed to the next.

Front

What happens to toxin concentrations as you move up the food chain?

Back

Toxin concentrations increase as you move up the food chain.

Front

What is the 10% rule in energy transfer?

Back

The 10% rule states that only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is available to the next level.

Front

What happens to toxins when an organism is consumed?

Back

When an organism is consumed, all of the toxins it has accumulated are transferred to the consumer.

Front

Why is recycling important in relation to bioaccumulation?

Back

Recycling reduces waste and the release of toxins into the environment, which can lead to bioaccumulation in organisms.

Front

What role do apex predators play in biomagnification?

Back

Apex predators accumulate the highest concentrations of toxins due to their position at the top of the food chain.

Front

How can human actions impact bioaccumulation?

Back

Human actions, such as pollution and improper waste disposal, can increase the levels of toxins in the environment, leading to bioaccumulation.