Question

'Red tides' are produced by

• A. Red algae
• B. Dinoflagellates
• C. Diatoms
• D. Brown algae

Answer 1

The correct option is B Dinoflagellates

Dinoflagellates are characterized by the presence of pigment peridinin, which imparts red-brown color. A large number of dinoflagellates, especially Gonyaulax, makes the water turn reddish and this is referred to as ‘Red tides’. But these dinoflagellates release toxins that tend to accumulate in the aquatic organisms, consumption of which may lead to death.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B.