DDT was developed as a synthetic insecticide. In 1972, DDT was banned for use in the United States due to its damaging environmental effects. In 3-5 sentences explain how introducing DDT into an ecosystem would impact a food chain. Be sure to include all relevant vocabulary in your answer.
Introducing DDT into an ecosystem would have a significant impact on the food chain. DDT is a persistent organic pollutant that can bioaccumulate in the tissues of organisms, meaning it can build up in higher trophic levels. As a result, predators at the top of the food chain, such as birds of prey, can ingest high levels of DDT when they consume contaminated prey. This can lead to reproductive issues, such as eggshell thinning, which can ultimately result in population decline or extinction. Additionally, DDT can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem by decreasing the abundance of certain species, leading to cascading effects throughout the food chain.
