[Campbell Biology P.654] Which of the following statements about dinoflagellates are correct? | Practice Question

Which of the following statements about dinoflagellates are correct?

  • A: Their cells are reinforced by cellulose plates.
  • B: They possess two flagella, one of which causes them to spin.
  • C: "Red tides" are always caused by purely heterotrophic dinoflagellate species.
  • D: Toxins produced during blooms can affect humans who consume contaminated shellfish.
  • E: Ocean warming is linked to less frequent blooms of toxic dinoflagellates.

Explanation

Dinoflagellate cells are reinforced by cellulose plates and possess two flagella, one of which causes their characteristic spinning movement. Toxic blooms, known as 'red tides,' are typically caused by photosynthetic or mixotrophic species due to their carotenoid pigments, and these toxins can accumulate in shellfish, posing a threat to human health. Furthermore, ocean warming has been shown to increase the frequency of such toxic blooms.