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 Dinoflagellates
differ from other phytoplankton in that they have characteristics of both plants and
animals. Whereas most other phytoplankton lack the ability to move, dinoflagellates
have two flagella. Flagella are whip-like appendages that the organism can control
and use for locomotion. This ability to move is distinctly characteristic of
animals. However, most dinoflagellates are also photosynthetic, a trait associated
with plants. For this reason, classification of these organisms has proved
difficult. Despite the fact that they are microscopic, some effects of
dinoflagellates are very apparent. In favorable conditions, populations of these
organisms can grow very rapidly (a bloom). In addition to poisoning fish and other
aquatic life, the resulting "Red Tides" can actually change the color of the sea
water.
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