Understanding Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Ecosystems

What is bioaccumulation?

• The process of pollutants building up in living organisms over time.

• The movement of pollutants through the air.

• The breakdown of pollutants in the environment.

• The release of pollutants from organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Which of the following is NOT a source of contaminants in aquatic ecosystems?

• Industrial waste

• Natural rainfall

• Pesticides

• Plastic particles

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

What is the difference between bioaccumulation and bioconcentration?

• Bioconcentration involves uptake from food only.

• Bioaccumulation is faster than bioconcentration.

• Bioaccumulation occurs only in terrestrial ecosystems.

• Bioaccumulation involves uptake from water and food, while bioconcentration is only from water.

Why are top predators more affected by bioaccumulation?

• They consume organisms with accumulated contaminants.

• They live in cleaner environments.

• They are immune to contaminants.

• They have shorter lifespans.

Which property of contaminants makes them more likely to bioaccumulate?

• Being water-soluble

• Being fat-soluble

• Being volatile

• Being biodegradable

How does water salinity affect bioaccumulation?

• It has no effect on bioaccumulation.

• It decreases the concentration of contaminants.

• It can change the bioavailability of contaminants.

• It makes contaminants evaporate.

Which of the following is a common bioaccumulative pollutant?

• Nitrogen

• Mercury

• Carbon dioxide

• Oxygen

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

What is a characteristic of persistent chemicals?

• They break down quickly in the environment.

• They are only found in terrestrial ecosystems.

• They remain in the environment for long periods.

• They are easily metabolized by organisms.

What is biomagnification?

• The decrease of contaminant levels up the food chain.

• The increase of contaminant levels up the food chain.

• The process of contaminants evaporating.

• The breakdown of contaminants in organisms.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

Which factor does NOT influence bioaccumulation?

• Organism metabolism

• Color of the organism

• Lifespan

• Trophic level