Question

question 4 1 pts
which of the following are substances that can be biomagnified in an ecosystem? choose all that apply!
□ pcb
□ ddt
□ mercury
□ lead

Explanation:

Biomagnification applies to persistent, fat-soluble or non-biodegradable substances that accumulate and become more concentrated at higher trophic levels in an ecosystem. All listed substances meet these criteria:

• PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are synthetic organic compounds that resist breakdown and build up in organism tissues.
• DDT is a persistent pesticide that accumulates in fatty tissues and biomagnifies up food chains.
• Mercury is a heavy metal that converts to methylmercury, a form that builds up in organism tissues and magnifies through food webs.
• Lead is a non-biodegradable heavy metal that accumulates in organism tissues and increases in concentration at higher trophic levels.

Answer:

A. PCB
B. DDT
C. mercury
D. lead