Explain biomagnification and its effect in $DDT$.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Biomagnification refers to the increase in concentration of toxic substances at successive trophic levels in a food chain.
This occurs because a toxic substance accumulated by an organism cannot be metabolized or excreted,and is thus passed on to the next higher trophic level.
In an aquatic food chain,$DDT$ (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane) is a classic example of biomagnification. The concentration of $DDT$ increases from water $(0.003 \ ppm)$ to zooplankton $(0.04 \ ppm)$,small fish $(0.5 \ ppm)$,large fish $(2 \ ppm)$,and finally to fish-eating birds $(25 \ ppm)$.
High concentrations of $DDT$ disturb calcium metabolism in birds,which causes thinning of eggshells and their premature breaking,eventually leading to a decline in bird populations.

Explore More

Similar Questions

High value of $BOD$ (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) indicates that

What is hybrid vehicle technology? Explain its advantages with a suitable example.

Pollution is not caused by

Impurities of water are

Drinking mineral water with a very low level of pesticides (about $0.02 \ ppm$) for long periods may:

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo