Question

The highest DDT concentration in the aquatic food chain shall occur in
A. Crab
B. Eel
C. Phytoplankton
D. Seagull

Answer 1

Hint: Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a tasteless, colorless, and odorless crystalline chemical compound which is an organochlorine. It is basically used as insecticides and became famous for the various environmental effects it causes. DDT was first synthesized by Austrian chemist Othmar Zeidler in 1874.

Complete answer:
DDT is a fat-soluble hydrocarbon and long-chain stable which is readily accumulated in fat tissues of organisms. Metabolism is slow and the excretion of DDT compounds in fat tissues of organisms is called biomagnifications, this particularly affecting the top consumers which are known as carnivores which results in a decrease in their population size. This compound causes intense pollution in the environment and adversely affects the environment. DDT compound affects the whole food cycle and affects the top positioned consumers as they are the most affected ones.
Phytoplankton is the first producer while the Seagull is the top consumer in the given options above. Seagulls feed on the dead or alive fishes and will contain the highest DDT concentration. Crab and Eel both are the middle in the producer-consumer chain which does not result in any alteration. Seagulls consume fish from the water bodies and the fishes which are consumed by the seagull consume phytoplankton from the water bodies. Phytoplanktons are microbial creatures that are food for many types of fishes and they become the first producers as they produce their food by the sunlight. The seagull feeds on the fishes which makes them top consumers.

Hence, the correct option is D. Seagull.

Note:
There is an ecological balance maintained between producers and consumers. This balance is important between the organisms which help in the survival of life on our planet. There are various organisms who fall into different categories of producers and consumers.