You are an aquatic biologist studying a small lake. The stream that drains into this lake runs by croplands. You are detecting a pesticide called atrazine in the insects and worms that live in the lake. The predatory birds such as herons and egrets have very high concentrations of atrazine in their blood. The birds prey on the frogs and small fish. What condition best explains the high atrazine level in the birds?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Biological accumulation and magnification is the process where toxins such as pesticides accumulate and increase in concentration as they move up the food chain. The croplands likely use atrazine as a pesticide, which is then transferred to the insects and worms that live in the lake. As the birds eat the frogs and small fish, they consume large amounts of atrazine and the levels of atrazine increase and accumulate in their blood, leading to high concentrations in their blood.

You Are an Aquatic Biologist Studying a Small Lake