Bioaccumulation
I can describe how toxic materials can accumulate and affect organisms in a food chain.
Bioaccumulation
I can describe how toxic materials can accumulate and affect organisms in a food chain.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Some toxic substances are persistent (they stay in the environment and do not break down).
- If consumed, persistent toxic substances can be passed up the food chain.
- The bioaccumulation of toxic substances can cause damage to organisms, particularly top predators.
- The use of pesticides in farming can cause bioaccumulation.
Common misconception
Pupils do often not understand that pesticides can build up within a food chain.
The lesson covers examples of how pesticides can be absorbed into producers and passed along food chains as organisms eat food.
Keywords
Toxic - A toxic substance is one which is poisonous to organisms.
Bioaccumulation - An increase in the concentration of a chemical within an organism is called bioaccumulation.
Pesticide - Pesticides are chemicals that are used to control pests (organisms that compete with humans for food supplies).
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a chemical which kills organisms that might eat or damage a crop
a chemical which kills plants. They are sometimes called weedkillers
a chemical which kills insects
a chemical which kills moulds
