Biological amplification

Pronunciation
/BI-oh-loh-jik-al am-plih-FYE-kay-shun/
Category
Ecology
Plural
Biological amplifications

Definition

The process by which a biological agent, such as a toxin, increases in concentration as it moves up the food chain.

Etymology

From the Greek 'bios', meaning 'life', and 'amplification', meaning 'increase' or 'magnification'.

Example

The biological amplification of DDT has had severe impacts on predatory bird populations.

Synonyms

Related Terms

  • Toxin
  • Food chain
  • DDT