Define "bioaccumulation."

Bioaccumulation refers to the gradual accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or heavy metals, in the tissues of living organisms. This process occurs when an organism takes in a substance at a rate faster than it is able to eliminate it. Over time, even small amounts of a toxic substance can build up to harmful levels, posing risks to the health of the organism and, in some cases, affecting larger organisms in the food chain through biomagnification.

In contrast, immediate absorption of chemicals in tissue refers to a different process where a chemical might be quickly integrated into biological systems, but it does not necessarily imply accumulation over time. The breakdown of chemicals pertains to metabolism, where substances are chemically altered or degraded within the body, while the elimination of toxins from the body refers to the removal of harmful substances, which does not contribute to their accumulation. Therefore, bioaccumulation specifically captures the idea of toxins building up within an organism due to repeated exposure and inadequate elimination over time.