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 process explains the high atrazine level in the birds?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The process that explains the high atrazine level in the birds is biological magnification. As atrazine is a pesticide, it accumulates as it passes up the food chain, increasing in concentration in each predator that consumes prey contaminated with the pesticide. The predatory birds at the top of the food chain have the highest concentration of atrazine in their blood due to this process.

You Are an Aquatic Biologist Studying a Small Lake