What phenomenon occurs when a predator consumes a contaminated prey animal?

When a predator consumes a contaminated prey animal, the phenomenon that occurs is known as secondary poisoning. This concept refers to the situation where toxins or harmful substances are transferred through the food chain. The predator, upon eating the prey, inadvertently ingests the chemicals that the prey had accumulated in its body, often over time.

For example, if a small animal consumes herbicide-treated vegetation and accumulates traces of the herbicide in its tissues, a predator that eats that small animal can then be affected by these accumulated toxins. This can lead to adverse health effects for the predator, resulting from toxins that were originally present in the prey. Secondary poisoning emphasizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems and highlights the potential for widespread impacts of contaminants beyond their initial application point.

Understanding secondary poisoning is crucial for herbicide applicators, as it illustrates the importance of considering not just the target organisms but also the broader ecological impacts of pesticide use.