What effect does biological magnification have on top predators?

Biological magnification refers to the process by which the concentration of toxins increases at each successive level of the food chain. As organisms at lower trophic levels absorb these toxins, they accumulate in their tissues. When predators, particularly top predators, consume these organisms, they take in higher concentrations of these harmful substances.

This accumulation can lead to serious health issues for the top predators, including reproductive harm, immune system suppression, and other toxic effects. Consequently, biological magnification poses a significant risk by increasing toxin concentrations in these animals, making them vulnerable to various physiological problems.

By contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the biological effects of magnification. Reductions in hunting efficiency or improvements in immune function are not direct consequences of increased toxin levels. Similarly, increased chances of reproduction contradict the negative impact that high toxin levels typically have on the reproductive health of organisms.