STB-3.I—Describe bioaccumulation and biomagnification

Describe bioaccumulation and biomagnification.

• Bioaccumulation is the selective absorption and concentration of elements or compounds by cells in a living organism, most commonly fat-soluble compounds.
• Biomagnification is the increase in concentration of substances per unit of body tissue that occurs in successively higher trophic levels of a food chain or in a food web.
• Enduring understanding STB-3: Human activities, including the use of resources, have physical, chemical, and biological consequences for ecosystems.