Distinguish between biodegradable and non-biodegradable substances with one example each. Describe one specific way in which accumulation of non-biodegradable substances disrupts the balance of an ecosystem.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 01:00 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Biodegradable substances are broken down by biological processes (microorganisms). Example: vegetable peels.
Non-biodegradable substances cannot be broken down by biological processes and persist in the environment for a long time. Example: plastic.
Disruption of ecosystem — Biological Magnification: Non-biodegradable chemicals (e.g., pesticides) enter the food chain and accumulate at each trophic level. Their concentration increases progressively, becoming highest in top consumers (e.g., humans), causing serious health damage and disrupting the ecological balance.
Source: Chapter 13, Section 13.2.2
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Explanation
- The question has 3 marks: 1 mark each for defining biodegradable (with example), non-biodegradable (with example), and describing the ecosystem disruption.
- Biological magnification is the key concept examiners expect for "disruption by non-biodegradable substances" — always name it and briefly explain the increasing concentration across trophic levels.
- Don't just say "it harms animals"; specify how (concentration increases up the food chain → highest in top consumers).
- Keep examples simple and textbook-aligned: vegetable peels / fruit peels for biodegradable; plastic / DDT for non-biodegradable.