red tidal algae blooms Flashcards
1
Q
what is red tide?
A
a coastal phenomenon in which dinoflagellates that contain red pigments are so concentrated that the seawater has a distinct red colour
2
Q
what are dinoflagellates?
A
phytoplankton that have two flagella at right angles to each other, therefore moving in a spinning motion
3
Q
when do dinoflagellates reproduce very quickly and what does this result in?
A
under conditions such as plentiful nutrients, therefore creating a bloom or algal bloom
4
Q
how do algal blooms occur?
A
in species that have red photosynthetic pigments= red tide
5
Q
what does the species that forms red tides produce?
A
a toxin that becomes concentrated in tissues of plankton-eating shellfish
is humans eat these shellfish, the can become seriously ill or die
