Question

Which non-toxic, fast growing cyanobacterium is cultivated in tanks as a protein-rich animal feed?

• A. Stigonema
• B. Spirulina
• C. Nostoc
• D. Oscillatoria

Answer 1

The correct option is B Spirulina

Spirulina represents a biomass of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that can be consumed by humans and other animals. The two species are Arthrospira platensis and A. maxima. Cultivated worldwide, Arthrospira is used as a dietary supplement or whole food. It is also used as a feed supplement in the aquaculture, aquarium, and poultry industries. Spirulina was found in abundance at Lake Texcoco by French researchers in the 1960s, but no reference to its use was made by the Aztecs as a daily food source after the 16th century, probably due to the draining of the surrounding lakes for agriculture and urban development. As an ecologically sound, nutrient-rich, dietary supplement, spirulina is being investigated to address food security and malnutrition, and as dietary support in long-term space flight or Mars missions. Its interest for food security is for lower land and water needs to produce protein and energy than required for livestock as meat sources.

So the correct option is 'spirulina'.