How did the radioactive compound get into the Eagles? (Hint: think

about how matter flows within the system.)

Answer: Biomagnification

Explanation:

Biomagnification is the accumulation of radioactive wastes like mercury, toxins and other undigested material in the food chain. This can affect the growth of organisms at each trophic level but the organisms at the top most levels are severely affected.

Radioactive materials may incorporate into the food chain as they are absorbed by the plants, or ingested by the animals. These are released by the nuclear power plants the radioactive materials become the parts of soil and water so enters into food chain.

The eagles are secondary consumers in the food chain, they can eat both insects, snakes and also live as scavengers that feed on dead animals body. Thus if the insects, snakes and the dead animals have affected with radioactive materials then eagles will receive the same.