Ospreys and other top predators are most severely affected by pesticides such as PCBs because they a. are especially sensitive to chemicals. b. have very long life spans. c. store the pesticides in their tissues. d. consume prey in which pesticides are concentrated.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the concept of biomagnification, which explains how the concentration of chemicals like pesticides increases as you move up the food chain.
2. Understand that ospreys are top predators, meaning they are at the top of their food chain and consume various prey species.
3. Recognize that the prey consumed by ospreys may have accumulated pesticides in their tissues from the environment.
4. Analyze how the consumption of multiple prey with concentrated pesticides leads to even higher concentrations of these chemicals in the tissues of top predators like ospreys.
5. Conclude that the correct answer involves the relationship between the consumption of prey and the concentration of pesticides in the tissues of top predators.

Key Concepts

Bioaccumulation

Bioaccumulation refers to the process by which organisms accumulate toxic substances, such as pesticides, in their bodies over time. This occurs when the rate of intake of the substance exceeds the rate of elimination. In top predators like ospreys, this can lead to high concentrations of harmful chemicals, as they consume prey that has already accumulated these toxins.

Trophic Levels

Trophic levels represent the hierarchical positions of organisms in a food chain, based on their feeding relationships. Top predators, such as ospreys, occupy the highest trophic level and are often affected by the accumulation of toxins from lower levels. As they consume multiple prey items, the concentration of pesticides increases, a phenomenon known as biomagnification.

Chemical Sensitivity

Chemical sensitivity refers to the vulnerability of certain species to the effects of environmental toxins. Ospreys and other top predators may have specific physiological traits that make them more susceptible to the harmful effects of pesticides. This sensitivity can lead to reproductive issues, weakened immune systems, and other health problems, exacerbating the impact of accumulated toxins.