An algae group responsible for red tide poisoning is which of the following?

An algae group responsible for red tide poisoning is which of the following?

• A. Diatoms
• B. Dinoflagellates
• C. Euglenoids
• D. All of the above

Answer: (B)

Red tides are harmful algal blooms where certain algae release toxins into the water. The group most closely linked to these toxic blooms is dinoflagellates. They can form dense water blooms that give the water a reddish or brownish hue and produce potent toxins, such as brevetoxins, which accumulate in shellfish and can cause illness in humans who eat them. Diatoms can also bloom and color the water, but they are not the usual source of red tide toxins. Euglenoids are mostly freshwater organisms and aren’t associated with red tide poisoning. Therefore, the dinoflagellates are the correct group.