In a food chain, toxic chemicals tend to accumulate and concentrate most in the
A) top carnivore.
B) autotrophs.
C) primary consumers.
D) primary producers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Toxic chemicals, such as pesticides or heavy metals, are not broken down easily by organisms and accumulate as they move up the food chain. This means that the highest trophic level, the top carnivores, will have the highest concentration of toxic chemicals. This process is called biomagnification. Autotrophs (choice B) are the base of the food chain and do not accumulate as many toxins. Primary consumers (choice C) can accumulate some toxins, but not as much as top carnivores. Primary producers (choice D) are also at the base of the food chain and have lower levels of toxin accumulation than higher trophic levels.

In a Food Chain, Toxic Chemicals Tend to Accumulate and Concentrate