What is biological magnification?

Biological magnification refers to the phenomenon where the concentration of toxic substances, such as heavy metals and certain chemicals, increases as one moves up the food chain. This occurs because these substances are not easily broken down or excreted by organisms, leading to their accumulation in the bodies of consumers. For instance, when a small organism contaminated with a toxin is eaten by a larger predator, the toxin becomes concentrated in the predator's body. As this process continues through various levels of the food web, the concentration of the toxin can reach levels that are harmful or lethal to the top predators, including humans.

In ecosystems, while nutrient cycling and decomposition are important processes, they do not focus on the accumulation of toxins. Similarly, patterns of species migration address how and why organisms move, without tying into the effects of accumulating substances within the food chain. Understanding biological magnification is crucial for recognizing the potential impact of pollutants on wildlife and human health, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems.