What does the term "cumulative toxicity" describe?

Cumulative toxicity refers to the process by which harmful substances, such as pesticides, accumulate in living organisms over time, leading to an increase in their toxic effects. This accumulation occurs because the organism is unable to effectively eliminate the toxins, resulting in higher concentrations of these substances in their tissues.

Cumulative toxicity is a critical concept in pesticide management since it highlights the importance of understanding how repeated or prolonged exposure to certain chemicals can elevate potential health risks, not only to the target organisms but also to non-target species, including humans and wildlife. Awareness of cumulative toxicity assists in designing pest control strategies that minimize long-term impacts on the environment and public health.

The other options refer to different concepts: the loss of pesticide effectiveness deals with how efficacy may change over time due to various factors; immediate effects relate to the short-term response after exposure; and dispersion pertains to how substances spread in the environment, none of which capture the essence of cumulative toxicity.