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Smelt 1.04 ppm Zooplankton 0.123 ppm Herring gull eggs 124 ppm Lake trout 4.83 ppm Pa Phytoplankton 0.025 ppm C pacco

Smelt 1.04 ppm Zooplankton 0.123 ppm Herring gull eggs 124 ppm Lake trout 4.83 ppm Pa Phytoplankton 0.025 ppm C pacco

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
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Phytoplankton absorb a very small concentration of a pollutant and are then eaten by zooplankton. Smelt eat the zooplankton and then Lake trout eat the smelt. At the top of the food chain, the concentration of the toxic chemical can be so high that it is dangerously toxic to the herring gull or the herring gull's offspring. This is an example of _____.
a
biomagnification
b
bioaccumulation
c
air pollution
d
habitat loss
### Understanding Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Ecosystems Bioaccumulation is the progressive accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or other chemicals, in an organism. This visual representation illustrates the concept of bioaccumulation by showing the concentration of contaminants at different trophic levels within an aquatic ecosystem. #### Diagram Breakdown The diagram displays an underwater scene showcasing various aquatic organisms and their position within the food web, including their contaminant concentration levels, measured in parts per million (ppm). 1. **Phytoplankton**: - Contaminant Concentration: **0.025 ppm** - Role: Phytoplankton are microscopic autotrophic organisms that form the base of the aquatic food web. 2. **Zooplankton**: - Contaminant Concentration: **0.123 ppm** - Role: Zooplankton feed on phytoplankton and are an essential food source for small fish. 3. **Smelt (Small Fish)**: - Contaminant Concentration: **1.04 ppm** - Role: Smelt consume zooplankton and are, in turn, prey for larger fish like lake trout. 4. **Lake Trout (Large Fish)**: - Contaminant Concentration: **4.83 ppm** - Role: Lake trout are top predators within their aquatic environment, feeding on smaller fish like the smelt. 5. **Herring Gull Eggs**: - Contaminant Concentration: **124 ppm** - Role: Representing how top predators not only accumulate but also pass on higher concentrations of pollutants to their offspring. #### Analysis - **Phytoplankton and Zooplankton**: These primary producers and consumers have lower contaminant levels, starting the bioaccumulation process. - **Fish (Smelt and Lake Trout)**: As we move up the food chain, contaminant levels increase. This is evident in smelt and more so in lake trout. - **Herring Gull**: Represents secondary consumers or predators that experience the highest levels of bioaccumulation. Their eggs show a significant contaminant concentration spike, which highlights the extent of bioaccumulation through the food web. This visual guide underscores the importance of monitoring and managing pollutant levels in aquatic ecosystems to prevent harmful levels of bioaccumulation that can affect wildlife and, ultimately, human health.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Ecosystems Bioaccumulation is the progressive accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or other chemicals, in an organism. This visual representation illustrates the concept of bioaccumulation by showing the concentration of contaminants at different trophic levels within an aquatic ecosystem. #### Diagram Breakdown The diagram displays an underwater scene showcasing various aquatic organisms and their position within the food web, including their contaminant concentration levels, measured in parts per million (ppm). 1. **Phytoplankton**: - Contaminant Concentration: **0.025 ppm** - Role: Phytoplankton are microscopic autotrophic organisms that form the base of the aquatic food web. 2. **Zooplankton**: - Contaminant Concentration: **0.123 ppm** - Role: Zooplankton feed on phytoplankton and are an essential food source for small fish. 3. **Smelt (Small Fish)**: - Contaminant Concentration: **1.04 ppm** - Role: Smelt consume zooplankton and are, in turn, prey for larger fish like lake trout. 4. **Lake Trout (Large Fish)**: - Contaminant Concentration: **4.83 ppm** - Role: Lake trout are top predators within their aquatic environment, feeding on smaller fish like the smelt. 5. **Herring Gull Eggs**: - Contaminant Concentration: **124 ppm** - Role: Representing how top predators not only accumulate but also pass on higher concentrations of pollutants to their offspring. #### Analysis - **Phytoplankton and Zooplankton**: These primary producers and consumers have lower contaminant levels, starting the bioaccumulation process. - **Fish (Smelt and Lake Trout)**: As we move up the food chain, contaminant levels increase. This is evident in smelt and more so in lake trout. - **Herring Gull**: Represents secondary consumers or predators that experience the highest levels of bioaccumulation. Their eggs show a significant contaminant concentration spike, which highlights the extent of bioaccumulation through the food web. This visual guide underscores the importance of monitoring and managing pollutant levels in aquatic ecosystems to prevent harmful levels of bioaccumulation that can affect wildlife and, ultimately, human health.
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