How does a carbon molecule get transferred from fossil fuel to the killer whale?

Carbon molecules from fossil fuels can be transferred to killer whales through the food chain. When humans burn fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants, which are then eaten by animals. The animals that eat the plants then pass on the carbon molecules to the animals that eat them, and so on. Eventually, the carbon molecules from the fossil fuels can make their way to the top of the food chain, where killer whales are found.

Killer whales are apex predators, meaning that they are at the top of the food chain and have no natural predators. They eat a variety of marine mammals, fish, and seabirds. When they eat these animals, they also consume the carbon molecules that are stored in their bodies. These carbon molecules are then used by the killer whales to produce energy and build new tissues.

The transfer of carbon molecules from fossil fuels to killer whales is an example of biomagnification. This is the process by which harmful substances become more concentrated in the tissues of organisms as they move up the food chain. Biomagnification can have a negative impact on the health of organisms at the top of the food chain, including killer whales.