What term describes the process where some organisms accumulate chemical residues in higher concentrations than those found in the organisms they consume?

The process where some organisms accumulate chemical residues in concentrations that exceed those found in the organisms they consume is known as biomagnification. This phenomenon occurs within food chains, where toxins or pollutants, such as pesticides, become increasingly concentrated at each trophic level. When a smaller organism, which may have absorbed a toxic substance, is eaten by a larger predator, the concentration of that toxic substance can increase in the predator due to the cumulative effect of consuming multiple smaller organisms.

Biomagnification highlights the significance of ecological relationships and the potential consequences of chemical use in agriculture and the environment. As a result, top predators often have the highest concentrations of these harmful substances, contributing to various ecological and health issues. Understanding this concept is vital for pesticide applicators, as it underscores the importance of responsible pesticide use and its potential impact on the environment and food webs.