Red tides are caused by a type of algae known as —.

Red tides are caused by a type of algae known as —.

• A. Dinoflagellates
• B. Diatoms
• C. Cyanobacteria
• D. Green Algae

Answer: (A)

Red tides are caused by blooms of dinoflagellates, a type of single-celled marine algae. When warm, nutrient-rich conditions prevail, these organisms can multiply rapidly and their pigments (like peridinin) give the water a reddish color. Some dinoflagellates also produce toxins that can accumulate in shellfish and harm marine life and humans who consume contaminated seafood. Other common algae groups behave differently: diatoms are typically associated with brownish water and are not the classic red-tide culprits, cyanobacteria mostly bloom in freshwater and can form blue-green scums, and green algae produce green water. So the distinctive red tide phenomenon is linked to dinoflagellates.

Red tides are caused by blooms of dinoflagellates, a type of single-celled marine algae. When warm, nutrient-rich conditions prevail, these organisms can multiply rapidly and their pigments (like peridinin) give the water a reddish color. Some dinoflagellates also produce toxins that can accumulate in shellfish and harm marine life and humans who consume contaminated seafood. Other common algae groups behave differently: diatoms are typically associated with brownish water and are not the classic red-tide culprits, cyanobacteria mostly bloom in freshwater and can form blue-green scums, and green algae produce green water. So the distinctive red tide phenomenon is linked to dinoflagellates.