Which of the following organism is likely to show the highest concentration of DDT, once it has been introduced into the ecosystem?

The correct answer is Owl.

Key Points

• DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is a persistent organic pollutant that bioaccumulates in the food chain.
• Top predators, such as owls, tend to have higher concentrations of DDT due to biomagnification.
• Biomagnification leads to increased concentrations of DDT as you move up the trophic levels in the ecosystem.
• Owls, being apex predators, feed on various organisms lower in the food chain that have already accumulated DDT.
• This results in owls showing the highest concentration of DDT among the listed organisms.

Additional Information

• Bioaccumulation: The accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, in an organism. This occurs when an organism absorbs a toxic substance at a rate greater than that at which the substance is lost.
• Biomagnification: The process by which the concentration of a substance, such as DDT, increases in the tissues of organisms at each successive level in a food chain.
• DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane): A colorless, tasteless, and almost odorless crystalline chemical compound known for its insecticidal properties. It was widely used in agriculture before being banned in many countries due to its environmental impact.
• Trophic Levels: The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, comprising producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and tertiary consumers like owls, each of which has a different role in the food chain.
• Ecological Impact of DDT: DDT has been shown to cause thinning of eggshells in birds, leading to reduced reproductive success and population declines in affected species.