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HomeHomework HelpbiologyBiological Magnification

Biological Magnification

Biological magnification refers to the process by which the concentration of toxic substances, such as heavy metals or pesticides, increases in organisms at each successive trophic level of a food chain. As predators consume prey, these toxins accumulate in their bodies, often reaching harmful levels in top predators.

intermediate
2 hours
Biology
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Overview

Biological magnification is a critical ecological concept that explains how toxins accumulate in organisms as they move up the food chain. This process can lead to significantly higher concentrations of harmful substances in top predators, which can have dire consequences for ecosystems and human he...

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Key Terms

Toxin
A harmful substance that can cause damage to living organisms.

Example: Pesticides are common toxins found in agricultural runoff.

Bioaccumulation
The gradual accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, in an organism.

Example: Fish can bioaccumulate mercury from contaminated water.

Food Chain
A linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass.

Example: Grass → Rabbit → Fox is a simple food chain.

Trophic Level
The position an organism occupies in a food chain.

Example: Producers are at the first trophic level.

Ecosystem
A community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system.

Example: A forest ecosystem includes trees, animals, and soil.

Predator
An animal that hunts and eats other animals.

Example: Lions are predators that hunt zebras.

Related Topics

Ecological Succession
The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.
intermediate
Food Webs
A complex network of feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem.
intermediate
Environmental Toxicology
The study of the effects of chemicals on the environment and living organisms.
advanced

Key Concepts

ToxinsFood ChainBioaccumulationEcological Impact