The highest DDT concentration in an aquatic food chain shall occur in:

Q: What is NEET?

NEET is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2016 NEET Biology paper.

Q: How can I prepare for NEET Biology?

To prepare for NEET Biology, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2016 question covers Environmental Issues topic.

Q: What is the difficulty level of this question?

This NEET 2016 Biology question has a easy difficulty level and is marked as an important question.

Q: Where can I find more NEET previous year questions?

You can find more NEET previous year questions on AspirantMitraa. Browse by subject, topic, year, and difficulty level to practice effectively.

Question

The highest DDT concentration in an aquatic food chain shall occur in:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: 4 — SeagullStep-by-step Solution:DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is a persistent, fat-soluble (lipophilic) organochlorine pesticide that is not metabolised or excreted efficiently. As it moves up each trophic level in the food chain, its concentration increases — a phenomenon called biological magnification (biomagnification). In the aquatic food chain: Phytoplankton (producers) Zooplankton Small fish (eel/crab) Large fish Top predators (seagull). The seagull, being the top predator (highest trophic level) in this food chain, accumulates the highest concentration of DDT in its body fat. This was famously documented by Rachel Carson in 'Silent Spring' and led to the global ban of DDT.Why other options are incorrect:Option 1: Crab is a lower trophic level consumer than the seagull; it accumulates less DDT.Option 2: Eel is at a lower trophic level than seagull; it accumulates intermediate DDT levels.Option 3: Phytoplankton are at the lowest trophic level (producers); they accumulate the least DDT concentration despite being in direct contact with DDT in the water.Key Concept: Biological magnification (biomagnification) — the progressive increase in the concentration of a persistent toxic substance (DDT, mercury, PCBs) at successive trophic levels in a food chain. Occurs because: (i) the substance is fat-soluble and not excreted, (ii) consumers eat large quantities of prey, accumulating the toxin over a lifetime. Classic example: DDT in aquatic food chain. Phytoplankton zooplankton small fish large fish fish-eating birds (osprey, bald eagle, seagull). Effect: DDT causes eggshell thinning in birds of prey, leading to reproductive failure.

The highest DDT concentration in an aquatic food chain shall occur in:

Master NEET with Our Test Series

Frequently Asked Questions

The highest DDT concentration in an aquatic food chain shall occur in:

Master NEET with Our Test Series

Frequently Asked Questions