Page 166 - Canadian BC Science 9

Have you ever seen a body of water like this? If you have, then you have witnessed an algae bloom or red tide. A single red tide can affect a large area of ocean, such as the coastal waters stretching from Prince Rupert to Vancouver Island. A red tide can
produce toxins in organisms such as clams, mussels, and oysters. If eaten, these organisms can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, which can result in severe illness or death. Red tides are caused by tiny organisms called dinoflagellates. These single-celled algae can reproduce at astounding rates if conditions are favourable. In this chapter, you will explore the method of reproduction that enables dinoflagellates to reproduce so quickly.
148 MHR • Unit 2 Reproduction