What is biomagnification?

Biomagnification refers specifically to the process through which certain substances, such as pesticides or heavy metals, increase in concentration as they move up the food chain. It occurs when predators consume prey that has accumulated these substances in their bodies from their own diets. Therefore, as a predator consumes multiple prey items, it can accumulate a higher concentration of these harmful substances than were present in the individual prey, leading to potentially toxic levels in the predator. This concept is critical in understanding the environmental impact of pesticide use, as it illustrates how these chemicals can pose a significant risk not only to individual species but also to entire ecosystems. Understanding biomagnification helps in assessing the long-term effects of pesticide applications on wildlife and human health, emphasizing the importance of responsible pesticide use to mitigate these risks.