Biology : PU-CET (U.G) 2016 Panjab University Entrance Exam With Answers

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18.

Members Of Which Trophic Level Would Suffer The Most From Biological Magnification Of Harmful Substances ?

A: First Trophic Level
B: Second Trophic Level
C: Third Trophic Level
D: Fourth Trophic Level

The answer is: D

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Explanation

D: Fourth Trophic Level.

Biological magnification is the process by which harmful substances, such as heavy metals or pesticides, become more concentrated in the tissues of organisms at higher trophic levels in a food chain. This means that the members of the highest trophic level, such as apex predators or top carnivores, will suffer the most from the biological magnification of harmful substances.

As the harmful substances move up the food chain, they become more concentrated and can accumulate in the bodies of organisms at higher trophic levels. Organisms at the lower trophic levels may also be affected by the harmful substances, but the concentration is typically lower. Therefore, organisms at the top of the food chain, such as large fish, birds of prey, and mammals, are most at risk of suffering the effects of biological magnification.