What is the term for the process by which toxins accumulate in organisms higher up the food chain?

The correct term for the process by which toxins accumulate in organisms higher up the food chain is biological magnification. This phenomenon occurs as toxins, such as heavy metals or persistent organic pollutants, are absorbed by organisms at lower levels of the food chain and then become more concentrated as they move up to higher trophic levels. For instance, small fish may absorb toxins from their environment, and when larger fish eat these smaller fish, they accumulate a greater concentration of those toxins in their bodies. This results in predatory animals, including humans, potentially being exposed to harmful levels of these substances due to their position at the top of the food chain. Understanding this process is crucial in addressing environmental and health concerns related to pollution and toxic substances, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the risks posed by contaminants.