Why Do Slowly Degraded Molecules Like DDT Have a Tendency

question 18

Multiple Choice

Why do slowly degraded molecules like DDT have a tendency to accumulate in creatures higher in the food chain?

• A)Since it takes more energy to feed a large animal, they take in more of the toxin.
• B)Since things higher on the food chain are large they have more fat, which means they can store more of the toxin.
• C)Larger animals do not excrete toxins as efficiently as smaller animals.
• D)Carnivores do not have the needed enzyme to biodegrade the toxin that herbivores have.
• E)none of the above

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Definitions:

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

Microevolution

The process of evolution over a short period that results in changes in gene frequency within a population, leading to slight adaptations or shifts.

Allele Frequencies

The proportion of all copies of a given gene variant (allele) present in a particular population.

Generations

Sequential stages in the familial lineage, where an individual's successors are considered a new generation.