Toxic Chemicals Introduced into the Environment Eventually Enter Food Chains

question 62

Essay

Toxic chemicals introduced into the environment eventually enter food chains and food webs. In 1972, DDT (a chemical used to control mosquitoes) was banned in the United States because of its deleterious effects on the food chain and web. The processes that proved DDT to be hazardous also have shown that other substances, like heavy metals, are harmful to food chains and webs. Explain why heavy metals can have such far-reaching effects. Your answer should include the terms bioaccumulation, persistence, and biological magnification.

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Definitions:

Consumer Involvement

The degree of interest and importance that consumers attribute to the purchase of a specific product or service.

Product Knowledge

An understanding of a product’s features, benefits, applications, and potential limitations, crucial for effective marketing and sales strategies.

Routine Problem Solving

A decision-making approach used for frequently encountered, low-involvement purchase decisions, involving minimal effort and consideration.

Consumer Touchpoints

A marketer’s product, service, or brand points of contact with a consumer from start to finish in the purchase decision process.