Toxins Building Up in Food Chains
Explain how organisms affect and are affected by their environment, including the bioaccumulation of toxic materials (e.g. pesticides, heavy metals) through food chains
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If your child heard that large fish like tuna can contain more mercury than small fish, could they explain why that is — even though the tuna didn’t encounter mercury directly?
Explain how organisms affect and are affected by their environment, including the bioaccumulation of toxic materials (e.g. pesticides, heavy metals) through food chains
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Check understanding
- Defines bioaccumulation and explains why toxins increase in concentration higher up the food chain
- Gives a real example of bioaccumulation (e.g. DDT in peregrine falcons, mercury in tuna)
- Explains how organisms can change their habitat (e.g. earthworms aerating soil, beavers creating wetlands)
- Discusses why top predators are most at risk from bioaccumulation
“If your child heard that large fish like tuna can contain more mercury than small fish, could they explain why that is — even though the tuna didn’t encounter mercury directly?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Ecosystems & Habitats
- Age range
- Ages 12–13
Standards