Biomagnification

Definition

The increasing concentration of chemical substances, especially toxins like pesticides or heavy metals, in organisms at higher trophic levels in a food chain.

Etymology

From Greek 'bios', meaning 'life', and 'magnification', meaning 'increase in size'.

Example

Biomagnification occurs when a small fish eats a plankton containing a pesticide, and a larger fish eats the small fish, leading to higher concentrations of the pesticide in the larger fish.

Related Terms

• Food chain
• Trophic levels
• Toxins
• Pollution

Usage Notes

Biomagnification can lead to harmful effects on top predators as they accumulate toxins over time.