What type of pesticide builds up in animals and plant tissues?

The term used to describe a pesticide that builds up in animal and plant tissues is "accumulative." Accumulative pesticides are characterized by their ability to persist in the environment and within the biological systems of organisms, leading to a gradual concentration over time. This accumulation can happen through various exposure routes such as through the food chain, where organisms may ingest pesticides while consuming contaminated plants or other animals.

In contrast, biodegradable pesticides are designed to break down naturally in the environment over time, reducing the risk of long-term accumulation in living tissues. Systemic pesticides are absorbed and translocated within the plant, providing internal protection but do not necessarily accumulate in animal tissues. Selective pesticides are formulated to target specific pests without harming non-target species, but again, this does not imply accumulation like the accumulative category does.

Understanding the nature of accumulative pesticides is crucial in pest management to mitigate risks associated with bioaccumulation, which can have detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health.