OCR GCSE Biology Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success

Pesticide accumulation in food chains, also known as bioaccumulation, occurs when these chemicals are taken up by organisms and gradually build up in their bodies over time, particularly in larger animals at higher trophic levels. As smaller organisms that have absorbed pesticides are consumed by larger consumers, the concentration of these harmful substances increases. This phenomenon can have significant implications for wildlife, potentially leading to toxic effects, reproductive issues, and even population declines in affected species.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the consequences of pesticide accumulation. Enhancing the taste of food is not a characteristic of pesticides, while pesticides can often decrease crop productivity rather than improve it. Additionally, they tend to harm, rather than increase, the populations of beneficial insects due to their toxic effects.