Biomagnification and Bioaccumulation

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to biomagnification and bioaccumulation, including definitions and effects of various pollutants.

Bioaccumulation

The selective absorption and concentration of elements or compounds by cells in a living organism, especially fat-soluble compounds.

Biomagnification

The increase in concentration of substances per unit of body tissue that occurs in successively higher trophic levels of a food chain or web.

Effects of Biomagnification

Includes eggshell thinning and developmental deformities in top carnivores, and harmful effects on human reproductive, nervous, and circulatory systems.

POPs

Persistent Organic Pollutants that bioaccumulate and can have significant environmental impacts.

DDT

A pesticide that was banned in many developed nations due to its biomagnifying effects, causing thinning of eggshells in predatory birds.

Methylmercury

A toxic form of mercury that biomagnifies in aquatic food chains, causing neurotoxic effects in animals and humans.

10% Rule

A principle stating that only about 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next, leading to increased accumulation of toxins.

Apex Predators

Organisms at the top of a food chain that have the highest concentrations of biomagnified toxins.

Trophic Levels

The different levels in a food chain or food web, representing the flow of energy and nutrients.

PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)

Industrial chemicals that can accumulate in aquatic ecosystems and biomagnify up the food chain.