Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
In the context of organic chemistry and environmental science, what is the term used to describe the increasing concentration of pollutants in organisms higher up the food chain?
A
Bioaccumulation
B
Biomagnification
C
Biodegradation
D
Biotransformation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the concept of 'Biomagnification'. Biomagnification refers to the process where the concentration of pollutants increases in organisms as you move up the food chain.
Differentiate between 'Bioaccumulation' and 'Biomagnification'. Bioaccumulation is the accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, or other chemicals in an organism. Biomagnification, on the other hand, is the increase in concentration of these substances in the bodies of organisms at each successive level of the food chain.
Consider the role of 'Biodegradation' and 'Biotransformation'. Biodegradation is the breakdown of organic substances by natural means, such as bacteria, fungi, or other biological processes. Biotransformation involves the chemical modification made by an organism on a chemical compound.
Recognize that 'Biomagnification' is specifically related to the increase in concentration of pollutants in organisms higher up the food chain, which is distinct from the other terms.
Conclude that the term 'Biomagnification' is the correct answer to describe the increasing concentration of pollutants in organisms higher up the food chain, as it specifically addresses the accumulation of pollutants through trophic levels.