Question

Gonyaulax is a protist which

• A. causes an algal bloom where its rapid multiplication changes the sea colour
• B. leads to the formation of diatomaceous earth
• C. behaves like a heterotroph in the absence of sunlight
• D. has an infectious spore-like stage in their life cycle and has a staggering effect on the human population.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Red tide is caused due to dinoflagellate Gonyaulax. During favourable season Gonyaulax multiplies rapidly forming huge mass which gives red colour to water known as red tide. It secretes toxic substance called saxitoxin in water which results death of large number of marine fishes.