GS PrelimsEnvironmentEcosystem1997

Which one of the following organisms is likely to show the highest- concentration of DDT once it has been introduced into the ecosystem?

A

Grasshopper

B

Toad

C

Snake

D

Cattle

Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation

1. DDT is a persistent insecticide known to bioaccumulate in fatty tissues of organisms and biomagnify through the food chain. 2. Biomagnification results in increasing concentrations of the substance at successively higher trophic levels in an ecosystem. 3. Consider the trophic levels: Plants -> Grasshopper (Primary Consumer) -> Toad (Secondary Consumer, eats insects like grasshoppers) -> Snake (Tertiary Consumer, eats toads). Cattle are Primary Consumers (herbivores). 4. The snake occupies the highest trophic level among these options. 5. Therefore, due to biomagnification, the snake is likely to show the highest concentration of DDT accumulated from its prey.

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