Question 52
Coral reefs are formed by tiny animals called coral polyps. Their hard skeletons provide many different habitats where other species can live.
One of these species is a single-celled alga that makes a toxic substance called ciguatoxin. Herbivorous fish eat the alga. Carnivorous fish eat the herbivorous fish. Humans often eat the carnivorous fish.
Ciguatoxin does not break down inside a fish that has eaten it. Instead, it builds up in the head, liver and skin of the fish.
What is the name for this process? Choose one of these words.
bioaccumulation ecosystem poisoning
One of these species is a single-celled alga that makes a toxic substance called ciguatoxin. Herbivorous fish eat the alga. Carnivorous fish eat the herbivorous fish. Humans often eat the carnivorous fish.
Ciguatoxin does not break down inside a fish that has eaten it. Instead, it builds up in the head, liver and skin of the fish.
What is the name for this process? Choose one of these words.
bioaccumulation ecosystem poisoning
