topic 2: pesticides and biomagnification

what is non persistent waste?

substances that break down quickly in the environment.

what is persistent waste?

substances that do not break down easily in the environment and can remain for long periods.

what is a pest?

an organism that is harmful or a nuisance to humans, crops, or livestock.

what is a pesticide?

A pesticide is a chemical substance used to kill or control pests.

what is biomagnification?

when the concentration of toxic substances increases in organisms at each level of the food chain.

what was DDT originally used for?

to eliminate lice in World War II and to exterminate mosquitoes, which carry malaria.

what happens once DDT gets into the environment?

-it takes 12 years to break down.

-it is fat soluble, so it it easily stored in the tissues of organisms.