Which of the following is an example of bioamplification?

A. Too many herbivores in an ecosystem, due to loss of predators.
B. An oil spill that destroys all marine life.
C. An excess of nitrogen which causes algal cloom on the water's surface.
D. High levels of DDt found in an eagle's body.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biomagnification

The correct answer is D. High levels of DDT found in an eagle's body.

Explanation: Bioamplification, also known as biomagnification, is the process by which the concentration of a substance increases at higher levels of a food chain. It occurs when substances, such as toxins or pollutants, are consumed by organisms and then accumulate within their tissues. As the organisms get eaten by other organisms in the food chain, the concentration of the substance increases, leading to higher amounts in the bodies of top predators.

In the case of the eagle mentioned in option D, the DDT (a pesticide) enters the ecosystem through various sources like agricultural runoff or human use. It is initially consumed by small organisms at the bottom of the food chain. As the eagle consumes these organisms, it accumulates the DDT in its body. Since eagles are at the top of the food chain, the DDT concentration becomes significantly higher in their bodies. This bioamplification of DDT can have harmful effects on eagles and other top predators.

Options A, B, and C do not demonstrate bioamplification. Option A refers to a loss of predators resulting in an increase in herbivores, which is a population dynamic change. Option B describes an oil spill which can cause immediate harm to marine life but does not involve the accumulation of substances up the food chain. Option C describes an excess of nitrogen causing algal bloom, which affects the ecosystem but does not involve a substance becoming more concentrated through the food chain.