Biological Amplification
Biological amplification, also known as biomagnification, refers to the process where certain substances, often toxic chemicals like mercury or DDT, increase in concentration as they move up the food chain. When small organisms absorb these substances, they may not be harmful at low levels. However, as larger predators consume these smaller organisms, the toxins accumulate in their bodies, leading to higher concentrations.
This phenomenon can have serious ecological and health impacts. For example, top predators like eagles or humans can experience significant health issues due to the high levels of toxins accumulated in their systems. Understanding biological amplification is crucial for environmental protection and public health.