What is the main effect of biological magnification in an ecosystem?

Biological magnification, also known as biomagnification, refers to the process by which the concentration of toxic substances increases in organisms at higher trophic levels within an ecosystem. When a toxic substance, such as a pesticide or heavy metal, enters an ecosystem, it is often taken up by small organisms, such as phytoplankton or small fish. As predators consume these contaminated organisms, the toxins accumulate in their bodies because their metabolic processes do not effectively eliminate them.

Over time, each successive trophic level accumulates a greater concentration of these substances, leading to potentially harmful levels in top predators, such as large fish or mammals. This phenomenon poses significant ecological and health risks since organisms at the top of the food chain may experience detrimental effects, such as impaired reproduction or increased mortality.

The primary impact of biological magnification is the increased concentration of toxins, which can disrupt food webs and pose risks to wildlife and human health.