The decreased calcium content in the shells of piscivorous birds was a result of bioaccumulation of pesticides in the food chain.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Piscivorous birds, such as eagles and ospreys, obtain calcium for eggshell formation by consuming fish. However, fish in many aquatic environments have been shown to contain high levels of persistent organic pollutants, such as DDT and PCBs, which can accumulate in the tissues of animals that consume them. These pollutants interfere with calcium metabolism in birds, resulting in weakened eggshells and reduced reproductive success. Therefore, the decreased calcium content in the shells of piscivorous birds is indeed a result of bioaccumulation of pesticides in the food chain.

The Decreased Calcium Content in the Shells of Piscivorous Birds