Explain bio magnification with help of example?
Introduction:
Bio magnification is a process in which the concentration of toxic substances increases in the food chain, leading to the accumulation of harmful substances in the bodies of organisms found at the top of the food chain. In simple words, bio magnification is the process of concentrating substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, and other pollutants in the bodies of living organisms.
Explanation:
The process of bio magnification begins when a small amount of toxic substance enters the food chain. It could be through water, air, or soil. The substance then becomes more concentrated as it moves up the food chain from one organism to another. The higher an organism is in the food chain, the more concentrated the substance will be in its body.
Example:
An example of bio magnification can be seen in the case of the pesticide DDT, which was widely used in the 1950s and 1960s to control mosquitoes and other pests. DDT was found to be highly effective, but it also had harmful effects on the environment and wildlife.
When DDT was sprayed on crops, it would eventually make its way into nearby water sources, where it would be consumed by small aquatic organisms such as plankton. These planktons are then consumed by small fish, which are eaten by larger fish, and so on.
As the DDT moves up the food chain, it becomes more concentrated in the bodies of the organisms at each level. At the top of the food chain, predators such as birds of prey, like eagles and hawks, consume large amounts of contaminated fish and other prey. As a result, the concentration of DDT in their bodies can be thousands of times higher than in the surrounding environment.
Conclusion:
Bio magnification is a serious concern as it can lead to the accumulation of harmful substances in the bodies of organisms, which can cause serious health problems. It is important to be aware of the potential risks of bio magnification and take steps to reduce the use of harmful substances in the environment.
Explain bio magnification with help of example?
the process of increase of concentration of harmful chemicals like pesticides of concentration from first trophic level to the last trophic level in a food chain is called biological magnification.
In the food chain,
Grass ----> Grasshopper ----> Frog ----> Snake ---->Peacock
Since peacock occurs at the highest trophic level (on the extreme right), therefore, peacock will have the maximum concentration of harmful chemicals in its body.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 10 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 10.