Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification Flashcards

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What is bioaccumulation?

Bioaccumulation is the build-up of a harmful chemical in an organism over time.

What is biomagnification?

Biomagnification is the increase in the concentration of a toxin as it moves up a food chain.

Why can some chemicals bioaccumulate in organisms?

Some chemicals bioaccumulate because they are not broken down or excreted and stay in the body.

Where in the body are many bioaccumulated toxins often stored?

Many bioaccumulated toxins are stored in fatty tissues and organs such as the liver.

How can a pollutant in water start bioaccumulating in a food chain?

Plants or tiny animals in the water take in the pollutant, and then small animals eat many of them and build up the toxin.

Why do top predators often have the highest levels of toxins?

Top predators eat many contaminated prey, so the toxins passed on from each prey add up in their bodies.

What is the main difference between bioaccumulation and biomagnification?

Bioaccumulation is build-up in one organism, while biomagnification is increase in toxin levels between each step in a food chain.

Give one example of a chemical that can bioaccumulate and biomagnify.

One example is the pesticide DDT; another is the heavy metal mercury.

How can bioaccumulation and biomagnification harm organisms?

They can cause illness, damage organs, reduce fertility and sometimes lead to death.

How can humans reduce the risk of bioaccumulation and biomagnification in ecosystems?

Humans can reduce the use of long-lasting pesticides and control pollution from factories and mines.