1. Haileybury Astana IGCSE Science
BIOMAGNIFICATION
Haileybury Astana IGCSE Science

2. Biomagnification Learning objectives
Explain the shape of biomass pyramids.
Define biomagnification
Define biomass
Explain why DDT and other insecticides become more concentrated higher in the food chain

3. biomass The total mass of a species in an area
Those species at the top of a food chain have a smaller biomass due to energy losses at each link in the food chain

4. Biomagnification
Biomagnification is the increasing concentration of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, in the tissues of organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain.

5. 1.What does ppm stand for?
Biomagnification
Insecticides such as DDT are stored in the fat tissues of animals.
It cannot be excreted.
It become concentrated within a smaller biomass as it passes through the food chain.
This can affect the strength of the egg shells of birds of prey and other birds.
4. Suggest why biomass decreases in the food chain
3. Define biomass
2. Suggest a reason why DDT cannot be excreted in the urine.

6. Insecticides make our egg shells thin!

7. Biomagnification affects humans too!
Minamata Bay….
QUESTIONS:
Where is Minamata Bay?
Name the toxin released into the sea
Give the source of the toxin
In your own words, outline the cause and effects of Minamata Disease.