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The organisms at thetop of the food chain will contain the most DDT. These are the top carnivores (or humans if we are in the food chain).
DDT builds up in food chains for several reasons:
1) It is a persistent pesticide IE: it is difficult for any organisms to break it down, it is non-biodegradable.
2) It is soluble in fat, so it enters the fat storage tissue (adipose tissue) and stays there.
3) Organisms higher in the food chain consume DDT every time they feed on organisms lower down in the food chain, if they are contaminated with DDT.
4) The biomass at each level in a food chain gets less, so the concentration of DDT will increase.
The increase in concentration of pesticides in a food chain is called bio-magnification.
Additional Information: Seals, Predatory Fish, Bears, Predatory Birds, Bats.
Organisms that are directly exposed to pesticides are more likely to have high levels of pesticides. This can include insects, weeds, and fungi that have been targeted by specific pesticides for control. Additionally, some larger organisms like fish and birds can accumulate pesticides through the food chain, leading to higher levels in their bodies.
Tertiary/Quaternary Predators (apex predators) are most strongly affected; otherwise every organism accumulates some eventually
but Brown pelicans were the most strongly affected in the 195/60s, even though the US gov. focused more on the bald eagles because it was their national symbol
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What affect can pesticides have on organisms that they weren't intended to affect?
Pesticides can unintentionally harm non-target organisms through aerial drift or runoff, disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems. They may also accumulate in the environment, affecting species higher up in the food chain through bioaccumulation. Additionally, some pesticides can persist in the environment for a long time, continuing to impact organisms even after their initial application.
What human activity promotes the evolution of organisms that are resistant to certain chemical?
The use of antibiotics and pesticides.
Are chemicals intended to kill insects and other organisms that damage crops?
Yes, these chemicals are called pesticides.
What type of chemicals do exterminators use?
Exterminators use a variety of chemicals to deal with pests. One of the most common is Diazinon, which quickly poisons most living organisms. A list of pesticides may be found at regulatory agencies such as the EPA.
What are some disadvantages of botanical pesticides?
Botanical pesticides can be less specific in their action, also affecting non-target organisms. They may require higher application rates compared to synthetic pesticides, leading to potential environmental impacts. Some botanical pesticides can have shorter residual activity, requiring more frequent applications.
What organisms will be affected if small insects and crickets and earthworms are killed by pesticides?
Robins are the organisms that would be most affected if pesticides killed crickets, earthworms and small insects. These are the robins' only food sources, so the robins' survival depends on their abundance.
What types of pesticides reduce bioaccumulation?
Pesticides that are easily broken down in the environment, have low persistence, volatility, and tendency to accumulate in living organisms are less likely to contribute to bioaccumulation. Examples include microbial pesticides, botanical pesticides, and certain biopesticides that have specific target organisms and low environmental persistence.
What are Bio pesticides?
Biopesticides are natural substances derived from living organisms, such as plants, bacteria, fungi, or insects, used to control pests or diseases in agriculture. They are considered environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides, as they have minimal impact on non-target organisms and are often biodegradable. Examples include neem oil, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), and parasitic wasps.
What percent of all pesticides never reach target organisms?
Up to 90%
What are persistent pesticides?
Persistent pesticides are chemicals that remain in the environment and can accumulate over time in soil, water, and organisms. These pesticides do not easily degrade, which can lead to long-lasting environmental and health impacts. Examples include organochlorine pesticides like DDT and chlordane.
Which use of pesticides is most dangerous for humans?
spreading pesticides with airplanes
Which pesticides are most lipophilic?
Organochlorine pesticides, such as DDT and chlordane, are known to be highly lipophilic. These compounds tend to accumulate in fatty tissues due to their molecular structure, which can lead to bioaccumulation in organisms within the food chain.
Pesticides are helpful for increasing the food supply . which use of pesticides is most dangerous for humans?
spreading pesticides with airplanes
Chemicals intended to kill insects and other organisms that damage crops are called?
PESTICIDES
Do we need pesticides?
Yes, I believe we do need pesticides. A pesticide is a substance used for destroying insects or other organisms which are harmful to plants and animals. Without pesticides some foods will not be able to grow and most countries would then, as a result, starve to death. If the pesticides were not there to use with animals, I am sure some species of animal would face extinction. I guess pesticides help prevent poverty, in a way. Without it, I am sure that we would soon suffer the consequences.
What are chemicals that kill crop-destroying organisms?
Pesticides such as insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides are chemicals commonly used to kill crop-destroying organisms like insects, weeds, and fungi. They are applied to crops to protect them against pests and diseases.
What affect can pesticides have on organisms that they weren't intended to affect?
Pesticides can unintentionally harm non-target organisms through aerial drift or runoff, disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems. They may also accumulate in the environment, affecting species higher up in the food chain through bioaccumulation. Additionally, some pesticides can persist in the environment for a long time, continuing to impact organisms even after their initial application.
