The term Biomagnification refers to

Question

The term Biomagnification refers to

1. A. increase in the concentration of non-degradable pollutant as they pass through food chain (Correct answer)
2. B. group of individuals of the same species within a community
3. C. number of births during a given time period
4. D. Interspecific interaction between members in which one population adversely affects the other

Correct Answer

Option A — increase in the concentration of non-degradable pollutant as they pass through food chain

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is increase in the concentration of non-degradable pollutant as they pass through food chain.

Key Points

• Biomagnification (biological magnification) refers to the progressive increase in the concentration of non-biodegradable (non-degradable) toxic substances -- such as DDT, mercury, and other persistent pollutants -- as they move up through the food chain.
• Organisms at each trophic level consume many organisms from the level below, accumulating the toxins in their body fat.
• The concentration of the pollutant increases at each successive level, with apex predators (including humans) receiving the highest doses.
• This is distinct from bioaccumulation, which is concentration within a single organism.