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Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1.
Answer the following: Why are the human beings most adversely affected by bio-magnification ?
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2022 31/1/1 Q13 (b)
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:43 · grounding rag
Model Answer

Humans are at the highest trophic level in a food chain. During bio-magnification, the concentration of harmful chemicals (like DDT or pesticides) increases at each successive trophic level. Since humans occupy the top of the food chain, the maximum concentration of these toxic substances accumulates in their bodies, making them the most adversely affected.

Explanation

The key concept here is that bio-magnification means the concentration of non-biodegradable chemicals increases as you move up the food chain. Examiners expect you to mention: (1) humans are at the highest/top trophic level, and (2) maximum concentration of toxins therefore accumulates in humans. This is a 2-mark question, so two clear points suffice.

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Previous-year CBSE Grade 10 board exam questions, organised by subject and chapter, each with a model answer — free to read and print.