Question

In an aquatic ecosystem, maximum biomagnification is seen among the:
A. Fishes
B. Phytoplanktons
C. Zooplanktons
D. Macroscopic plant

Answer 1

Hint: Aquatic ecosystems are fascinating and complex places to explore, whether it be the shallow edge of a lake, the deep dark depths of the ocean, or a coral reef teeming with life. Abundant in diversity, they provide important habitats to numerous species of plants, animals and microorganisms. Aquatic ecosystems play an essential role in regulating water cycles by buffering against the effects of global climate change and helping to cleanse polluted water sources.

Complete step by step answer: Aquatic ecosystems have proven to be incredibly vulnerable to biomagnification due to their ability to absorb pollutants from both the water and atmosphere. The maximum biomagnification is seen in the top-level predators, such as fishes.
Fishes absorb bioaccumulative toxins by consuming prey that have previously ingested chemicals and other pollutants. These bioaccumulative toxins can be highly hazardous for aquatic vertebrates when reaching certain levels of concentration in their tissues.
Aquatic ecosystems, along with people and wildlife, can therefore become increasingly polluted if severe measures are not taken to prevent or limit industrial chemical discharges into bodies of water throughout the world.

Hence, option A is the correct answer.



Note: The substances become more and more targeted in tissues or internal organs as they move up the chain. Bioaccumulation are substances that increase in concentration in living organisms as they soak up contaminated air, water, or food as a result of the substances being terribly slowly metabolized or excreted.