Definitions
What does coastal mean?
The area where land meets the water
Are algae unicellular or multicellular?
Algae is unicellular, meaning they are morphologically simple
Are red tides dangerous?
Yes, red tides are extremely dangerous because they drain the water of its oxygen. They also can produce toxic chemicals
Which would not result in an algal bloom? Slow currents, darkness, or strong sunlight?
Darkness
What is algae?
A very simple plant lacking stems, roots, leaves, and vascular tissue
Is algae autotrophic or heterotrophic?
Algae is autotrophic. It is a photosynthetic organism so it makes its own food using energy from the sun
Are red tides unnatural?
No! Red tides have been occurring in nature for years going as far back as the 1700's
Are algae blooms becoming more frequent?
Yes, algal blooms are becoming more frequent and more toxic worldwide
What are algal blooms?
Rapid increases or accumulation of algae in freshwater or marine water systems
Why is algae important?
Algae forms the first layer of the food web as producers, which means that all other organisms rely on them for survival
Can red tides affect people outside of the water?
Yes, red tides can cause food poisoning if hymnals consume infected clams or oysters. Red tides can also result in varying degrees of skin, eye, nose, and throat irritation
What is causing blooms to occur more often?
Warmer water temperatures which results in more algal growth and nutrient runoff from humans
What are red tides?
Discoloration of sea surface resulting from harmful algal blooms
How many colors of algae are there?
Three! They are red, green, and brown algae
Where are red tides most common?
Red tides occur most commonly in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the Pacific coast off of California
Are all algal blooms bad?
NO!! Algal blooms are completely normal and natural, but when they grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects they become bad
What does eutrophication mean?
Dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen due to excessive richness of nutrients in a body of water
Are red tides only composed of algae?
Yes! Red tides are the result of excessive growth of toxic red dinoflagellates
How long do red tides last?
Red tides can last days, weeks, or even months depending on the conditions in the water and air
How can we prevent red tides?
The exact causes of red tides are not 100% known, but using phosphorus free fertilizers and encouraging good waste management are a start to prevent excess nutrients from entering the ocean!