[Campbell Biology P.658] According to the 'Red Algae' section, how does the amount of phycoe... | Practice Question

According to the 'Red Algae' section, how does the amount of phycoerythrin affect the color of red algae at different water depths?

  • A: Higher phycoerythrin concentration makes them appear greener in shallow water.
  • B: Species in shallow water have less phycoerythrin and can appear greenish red.
  • C: Red algae in deep water maintain their bright red color due to high phycoerythrin.
  • D: Some species lack pigmentation entirely and are never red, regardless of depth.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'However, other species those adapted to shallow water have less phycoerythrin. As a result, red algal species may be greenish red in very shallow water, bright red at moderate depths, and almost black in deep water.' This confirms that lower phycoerythrin in shallow water leads to greenish-red hues.