Question

what is meant by biological magnification?

Answer 1

Biomagnification is the increase in the concentration of pollutants or harmful chemicals within each step of the food chain. The levels of biomagnification will be different at different trophic levels. For example, in a pond of water, DDT was sprayed and the producers were found to have 0.04 ppm concentration of DDT. Since many types of planktons are eaten by some fishes and clams, their body accumulates 0.23 ppm of DDT. Sea gull that feeds on clams accumulates more DDT as one sea gull eats many clams. Hawk, the top carnivore, has the highest concentration of DDT.

Answer 2

Contemporary definitions for biological magnification. noun. the process by which the concentration of toxic substances increases in each successive link in the food chain; also called biomagnification. Inbiological magnification, pesticides or heavy metals move up the food chain, work their way into rivers or.