Q: 54 (IAS/1998)
question_subject:
Geography
question_exam:
IAS
stats:
0,114,63,114,14,10,39
keywords:
{'red tides': [0, 1, 0, 0], 'distinct blooms': [0, 1, 0, 0], 'estuaries': [0, 1, 1, 2], 'sea tides': [0, 1, 0, 0], 'sea flowers': [0, 1, 0, 0], 'dinoflagellates': [0, 1, 0, 0], 'blooms': [0, 1, 1, 0], 'black tides': [0, 1, 0, 0]}
The correct answer is "red tides." Red tides refer to the excessive growth or bloom of certain species of dinoflagellates, which are single-celled organisms. These dinoflagellates contain pigments that give the water a reddish or brownish color, hence the name "red tide." These blooms can occur in estuaries, coastal areas, or open ocean waters and are characterized by the rapid and dense accumulation of dinoflagellates. Red tides can have ecological impacts, including the production of toxins that can harm marine life and impact the health of humans who consume contaminated seafood.