Question

Accumulation of non-biodegradable pesticides in the food chain in increasing amount at each higher trophic level is known as

• A. eutrophication
• B. pollution
• C. biomagnification
• D. accumulation

Answer 1

The correct option is C

biomagnification

The correct option is (C).

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Biomagnification can be interpreted as the rise or increase in the contaminated substances caused by the intoxicating environment.
2. These substances are taken up by the organisms through the food they consume.
3. When the organisms in the higher food chain feed on the organisms in the lower food chain containing these toxins, these toxins get accumulated in the higher organisms.
4. The contaminants might be heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, and pesticides such as polychlorinated biphenyls and DDT.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

Eutrophication is a process in which water bodies get enriched with nutrients and develop into a forest.

Option B:

Pollution is the addition of unwanted substances in the environment.

Option D:

Accumulation is the adding of any substance over time.

Final answer: Accumulation of non-biodegradable pesticides in the food chain in increasing amount at each higher trophic level is known as biomagnification.