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Environment and Ecology

Biomes

What is a red tide?

A red tide occurs when a population explosion occurs among toxic red dinoflagellates (members of the genera Gymnodidium and Gonyaulax, both protists that have an unusual cellular plate or armor). The population explosion, referred to as a “bloom,” may tint the water orange, red, or brown and can be toxic to shellfish, birds, and humans who eat red tide-contaminated food.



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