Question 15
MediumOriginal questionA pesticide such as DDT washes into a lake. In which organism will its concentration be highest?
Show the answer and explanation
CorrectNot quiteAnswer D
Correct answer: D
Explanation
DDT is not broken down or excreted, so it builds up in the bodies of organisms.
Each level eats many organisms from the level below, so the concentration rises at every step. This is biomagnification.
Worth noting
The effect is the opposite of energy: energy shrinks up the chain, while persistent poisons grow.
- Concept
- Biomagnification
- Typical timeTypical
- 60 s
- Your timeYours
- —
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