Areas that are under the influence of DDT may observe a decline in the...
DDT and Bird Population Decline
Introduction:
DDT or Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane is an insecticide that was widely used in the mid-20th century to control agricultural pests and diseases that spread through insects. It is a persistent organic pollutant that accumulates in the food chain, causing adverse effects on human and animal health. DDT was banned in most countries in the 1970s due to its harmful effects on the environment.
Effect of DDT on Bird Population:
DDT is known to cause a decline in the population of birds that feed on insects, such as eagles, falcons, and ospreys. This is due to the fact that DDT affects the reproductive system of birds, leading to a decline in their egg production and hatching rates.
Eggshell Thinning:
DDT causes the eggshells of birds to become thin, making them more susceptible to breakage. When birds lay their eggs, the shells are too thin to withstand the weight of the incubating parent, leading to the death of the embryo inside. This phenomenon is known as eggshell thinning, and it has been observed in several bird species, including Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and Brown Pelicans.
Decline in Hatching Rates:
Due to the thinning of eggshells, the hatching rates of birds that have been exposed to DDT decline significantly. This means that fewer chicks are born, leading to a decline in the overall population of the bird species.
Conclusion:
The decline in the population of birds due to DDT is a significant environmental issue. It is essential to limit the use of DDT and other persistent organic pollutants to protect the health and well-being of the ecosystem. The ban on DDT in most countries has helped to restore the populations of several bird species, but the effects of DDT are still felt in some areas where it was used extensively in the past.
Areas that are under the influence of DDT may observe a decline in the...
The correct answer is option 2, the eggs did not hatch.
DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is a pesticide that was widely used in the mid-twentieth century. Although it was effective in controlling pests, it had significant unintended consequences for wildlife, particularly birds.
DDT is a persistent organic pollutant that accumulates in the food chain, which means that as it moves up the food chain, its concentration increases. Birds that feed on insects and other small organisms that have been exposed to DDT may accumulate high levels of the pesticide in their bodies.
When birds with high levels of DDT in their bodies lay eggs, the pesticide interferes with the normal development of the eggs. Specifically, it can cause the eggshells to become thin and brittle, making them more susceptible to breaking during incubation. As a result, the eggs may not hatch, leading to a decline in the bird population.
Therefore, option 2 is the correct answer: the decline in bird populations in areas under the influence of DDT is due to the fact that the eggs do not hatch.
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