Phytoplankton: Toxic Diatoms

What is an algal bloom?

• an event where too many algae grow in the same patch of water

• an event where too many fish spawn in the same patch of water

• an event where big waves wash flowers into the sea

• an event where too few algae grow in the same patch of water

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What causes algal blooms?

• high water temperatures

• high nutrient levels in the water

• high winds

• high water flow

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What is domoic acid? (choose 2)

• a toxin that causes nerve damage

• a toxin that turns the skin yellow

• a toxin made by some diatoms

• a toxin made by fungi

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Diatoms are...

• a type of phytoplankton

• autotrophs / producers

• algae with cell walls made of silica

• members of Kingdom Protista

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Why are scientists studying the diatom genes that code for domoic acid?

• to know what to look for in seawater samples

• to see what environmental factors trigger it

• to help the fishing industry with an early warning system

• to breed diatoms who can make lots of it

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What was the most surprising thing you learned in this video?