18 Questions
What is the primary focus of ecotoxicology?
Studying the impact of pollutants on ecological communities and the biosphere
What is the process by which pollutants become more concentrated in organisms as they move up the food chain?
Biomagnification
What is the term for the accumulation of pollutants within an organism?
Bioaccumulation
What is the result of pollutants disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems?
Habitat degradation and biodiversity decline
What is the scope of analysis in ecotoxicology compared to toxicology?
Broader, examining populations, communities, and ecosystems
What is the range of pollutants that ecotoxicologists study?
A wide range of pollutants, including natural and man-made substances
What is the primary objective of ecotoxicologists in identifying sensitive species to pollutants?
To assess the overall environmental risk
What is the role of ecotoxicology in environmental protection?
To provide crucial information about potential risks to ecosystems
What is the purpose of biomonitoring programs in ecotoxicology?
To utilize living organisms as indicators of environmental health
What type of response to stress involves changes in hormone levels and metabolism?
Physiological changes
What is an example of a physiological change in response to stress?
A deer experiencing increased heart rate and respiration
What type of challenge to an organism's well-being can be caused by temperature changes?
Environmental stressor
Which of the following behavioral changes can be exhibited by a stressed fish due to water pollution?
Avoidance behavior
What is the benefit of selecting organisms that have a widespread distribution for biomonitoring?
To allow for a comprehensive assessment of environmental quality
What type of changes can occur in trees due to chronic stress caused by a lack of water?
Morphological changes
What is an important factor to consider when selecting organisms for biomonitoring programs?
Their tolerance to environmental variations
What is the purpose of biomonitoring programs that utilize organisms as indicators of environmental health?
To monitor the responses of organisms to pollutants or other environmental stressors
What type of changes can be exhibited by an organism in response to exposure to pollutants?
Physiological, behavioral, or morphological changes
Ecotoxicologists study the impact of pollutants on different species to assess the environmental risk. This knowledge helps inform regulations and policies to protect the environment and human health.
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