In a lake polluted with pesticides, which one of the following will contain the maximum amount of pesticides?a)small fishb)microscopic animalsc)water birdsd)big fishCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

If a lake is polluted with pesticides, large fish will contain the maximum amount of pesticide. The process due to which large fish will contain the maximum amount of pesticide is called biological magnification. It is also called as biomagnification. Phytoplanktons and zooplanktons absorb pesticide from the polluted water. Small fishes eats phytoplankton and zooplanktons. There will be increased accumulation of pesticide in their bodies. These small fishes are eaten by big fish. Hence, the big fish will have the maximum amount of pesticide.

Answer

Answer

If a lake is polluted with pesticides, large fish will contain the maximum amount of pesticide. The process due to which large fish will contain the maximum amount of pesticide is called biological magnification. It is also called as biomagnification.

Answer

Correct option is D because in the food chain water animals first phytoplankton eat on grass then phytoplankton is eaten by zooplankton and zooplankton is eaten by small fish and smaller fish is eaten by big fish so big fish receive all the pesticides from the phytoplankton to the small fish. This process is called as biomagnification.

Answer

Big fish due to biomagnification...

Answer

Pesticide Accumulation in Different Organisms in a Polluted Lake

In a lake polluted with pesticides, the accumulation of pesticides will vary among different organisms based on their position in the food chain and their ability to metabolize or excrete these toxic substances. Among the given options, the big fish (option D) is likely to contain the maximum amount of pesticides. Let's explore the reasons behind this.

1. Pesticide Accumulation in Small Fish
Small fish, such as minnows or young fish, are lower in the food chain and typically consume microscopic animals and plants. Although they may directly ingest some pesticides present in the water or attached to plants, their exposure is relatively limited compared to higher trophic levels. Additionally, small fish have a shorter lifespan, which limits their potential to accumulate a significant amount of pesticides over time.

2. Pesticide Accumulation in Microscopic Animals
Microscopic animals, also known as zooplankton, are at the base of the aquatic food chain and primarily feed on phytoplankton and detritus. While they may be exposed to pesticides present in the water, their small size and rapid reproduction rate allow them to metabolize and excrete these compounds more efficiently. As a result, the concentration of pesticides in microscopic animals is generally lower compared to higher trophic levels.

3. Pesticide Accumulation in Water Birds
Water birds, such as ducks or herons, occupy a higher trophic level and feed on various aquatic organisms including small fish and microscopic animals. This feeding behavior exposes them to pesticides present in these prey species. However, water birds have relatively efficient metabolic systems that can eliminate a significant portion of the ingested pesticides. Therefore, although water birds may contain pesticides, their accumulation levels are usually lower than those found in big fish.

4. Pesticide Accumulation in Big Fish
Big fish, also known as top predators, are at the highest trophic level in the lake ecosystem. They consume a wide range of organisms, including small fish and water birds, which may already contain pesticides. As pesticides move up the food chain, a process called biomagnification occurs. This means that the concentration of pesticides increases at each trophic level, with top predators accumulating the highest levels. Big fish have longer lifespans, allowing them to accumulate pesticides over a longer period of time. Additionally, their metabolic capacity to eliminate pesticides is relatively lower compared to smaller organisms, leading to higher accumulation levels.

Therefore, in a lake polluted with pesticides, the big fish (option D) is expected to contain the maximum amount of pesticides due to their position at the top of the food chain, longer lifespan, and limited metabolic capacity to eliminate these toxic substances.

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