What pesticide damaged the eggs of American bald eagle?

The pesticide that caused damage to the eggs of the American bald eagle is Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT). DDT was a widely used insecticide in the mid-20th century, particularly in agriculture.

Effects on Bald Eagles:

- Eggshell Thinning: DDT caused eggshell thinning in bald eagles, making their eggs more fragile and susceptible to breakage during incubation. This led to a decline in the reproductive success of the species.

- Reduced Reproduction: DDT accumulation in bald eagles affected their reproductive hormones and overall reproductive health, leading to a decrease in the number of eggs laid and lower hatching rates.

- Biomagnification: DDT is a persistent organic pollutant (POP) that accumulates in the food chain, becoming more concentrated at higher trophic levels. Bald eagles, being apex predators, had high levels of DDT in their systems.

- Population Decline: As a result of these impacts on reproduction, the American bald eagle population declined significantly in the mid-20th century, leading to its listing as an endangered species in the United States.

The use of DDT was banned or severely restricted in many countries, including the United States, in the 1970s due to its harmful environmental effects. Consequently, bald eagle populations have since rebounded and are no longer considered threatened by DDT.