AP BIOLOGY

ECOLOGY

HUMANS AND THE BIOSPHERE

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
One property that makes DDT hazardous over time is that DDT is
A
an insecticide.
B
a perfect pesticide.
C
nonbiodegradable.
D
deadly to herbivores.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -It is a non-biodegradable substance because it cannot be decomposed by the micro-organisms and is capable of exerting its harmful effects on the environment. This is because till date there is no such enzyme has been found in any microbes that can degrade DDT.

Detailed explanation-2: -DDT is harm to all biota of the planet as it is non-biodegradable, and tends to become more concentrated as it moves up the food chain. It is a fat-soluble chemical, and accumulates in the fat deposits of the body.

Detailed explanation-3: -DDT is very insoluble in water and very persistent in the environment, making it a highly polluting hazard. It’s half life has been reported to be between 2 and 15 years.

Detailed explanation-4: -Non-biodegradable waste will not break down for many years. Examples of non-biodegradable are plastics, DDT, metal, and glass. Dangerous chemicals and toxins are also non-biodegradable.

Detailed explanation-5: -DDT was canceled because it persists in the environment, accumulates in fatty tissues, and can cause adverse health effects on wildlife (4).

There is 1 question to complete.