What is the process of bioaccumulation?

Bioaccumulation refers to the gradual accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, heavy metals, or other environmental pollutants, in an organism's body over time. This process occurs when an organism absorbs these harmful substances at a rate faster than it can eliminate them. As a result, concentrations of these toxins can increase within the organism, particularly in tissues like fat. This is particularly concerning for species higher up the food chain (predators), as they consume organisms that may already be contaminated, leading to even higher levels of these substances in their bodies.

In contrast, the other options describe different biological and ecological processes. The dispersion of nutrients pertains to how nutrients are spread through aquatic environments and is not specifically related to an organism's internal accumulation of harmful substances. The decomposition of dead marine organisms involves the breakdown and recycling of organic material, which is an entirely different process focused on nutrient cycling rather than accumulation within living organisms. The transfer of energy through food webs is about how energy moves from one trophic level to another, emphasizing energy flow rather than the accumulation of harmful substances in individual organisms.