Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)are toxic chemicals that were widely used in manufacturing until they were banned in the U.S.in 1977.PCBs are very persistent in the environment and bind strongly to sediments,meaning that bottom dwelling and filter feeding organisms are likely to take in PCBs as they feed.PBCs accumulate in the fatty tissues and,to a lesser extent,muscle tissues of organisms.Examine the food web below.Which organism(s)do you predict would have the highest concentration of PCBs in their tissues?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since PCBs accumulate in the fatty tissues of organisms, the highest concentration of PCBs is likely to be found in the top predator in the food web, which in this case is the seal. The other organisms, such as shrimp, mussels, crab, and salmon, are lower in the food web and therefore are likely to have lower concentrations of PCBs.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)are Toxic Chemicals That Were Widely Used in Manufacturing