1. A more accurate name for red tide is
a) habitual algal biology.
 b) harmful algal bacteria.
 c) harmful algal bloom.
 d) harmful algal biotoxin.

 

2. Toxic algae are "mutants" that have become toxic in recent times.
True
 False

 

3. The phrase "red means dead, clear means no fear" is useful to remember when there are posted red tide warnings at a beach.
True
 False

 

4. HAB biotoxins are usually not very potent, but the sheer concentration of the biotoxins in algal blooms makes them a potential threat to humans and wildlife.

True
 False

 

5. A human can die from swallowing seawater while swimming in a red tide bloom.

True
 False

 

6. Which of the following is a possible reason that some phytoplankton produce biotoxins?
a) Deter grazing species of zooplankton that feed on phytoplankton.
 b) Paralyze fish and restrict the growth of other algal species.
 c) A secondary metabolite with no specific function.
 d) All are possible reasons.

 

7. Humpback whales have died from eating toxic algae.
True
 False

Use the map above to refer to questions 8-11.

 

8. Based on current knowledge on HABs, which area has a higher likelihood of having an algal bloom?
a) Atlantic Ocean
 b) River flowing into Back Bay
 c) Peninsula Beach and Back Bay
 d) None of the above

 

9. Assuming equal probability of an algal bloom occurring, an algal bloom that discolors the water red or brown would be more likely to occur in which area?
a) Atlantic Ocean
 b) Back Bay
 c) Near the mouth of the river
 d) Impossible to predict

 

10. If Back Bay was in a northern coastal climate instead of a tropical or semi-tropical climate, there would be:
a) the same chance of HABs occurring.
 b) less chance of HABs occurring.
 c) greater chance of HABs occurring.
 d) no chance of HABs occurring.

 

11. If harmful algal blooms occurred in both Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean at the same time, you would expect which of the following?
a) Back Bay Beach would likely be closed but Peninsula Beach would likely remain open.
 b) The phytoplankton responsible in Back Bay are probably local species but those in the Atlantic Ocean probably came from ship ballast water.
 c) There would likely be higher toxicity levels and a greater concentration of phytoplankton in Back Bay than in the Atlantic Ocean.
 d) The phytoplankton species in Back Bay are probably non-motile, while those in the Atlantic Ocean are likely motile.