Identifying West Coast Algae: A Quiz for Marine Biology Students

Acrosiphonia is a genus of green algae, while Sargassum is a genus of brown algae, Ulva is a genus of green algae, and Spirogyra is a genus of filamentous green algae. The correct answer is Acrosiphonia.

Alaria marginata is a type of brown algae commonly found in the Pacific Northwest region. Fucus vesiculosus is known as bladderwrack, Sargassum muticum is an invasive brown algae species, and Ulva lactuca is a type of green algae also known as sea lettuce.

Chondracanthus exasperatus is a type of red algae commonly found in rocky intertidal areas. It is distinguishable by its flat, fan-like shape and its unique coloration.

Costaria costata, also known as 'strap seaweed', is a type of brown algae commonly found in the intertidal zone of the Pacific Ocean. Fucus serratus, Ulva lactuca, and Sargassum are different types of algae with distinct characteristics and habitats.

Egregia menziesii is a species of brown algae commonly known as feather boa kelp. It is not to be confused with the other three options provided which are different species of algae.

Fucus Gardneri is a type of brown algae commonly found in the intertidal zones of the Pacific Northwest. Sargassum is a type of brown algae found in warm ocean waters, Ulva is a type of green algae commonly known as sea lettuce, and Diatom is a type of single-celled algae known for their silica cell walls.

Gracilaria sp. is a type of red algae known for its branching and delicate appearance.

Grateloupia doryphora is a red algae commonly found in marine environments. Fucus vesiculosus, Sargassum muticum, and Ulva lactuca are also types of algae, but they are not the same as Grateloupia doryphora.

Macrocystis integrifolia is a type of kelp known for its long, floating fronds, sometimes called the giant bladder kelp. Fucus vesiculosus is a type of brown algae commonly known as bladder wrack. Ulva lactuca is a type of green algae commonly known as sea lettuce. Sargassum natans is a type of brown algae known for forming large floating mats in the Sargasso Sea.

Mastocarpus papillatus is commonly known as Irish moss due to its resemblance to true moss and its abundance along the coasts of Ireland.

Mazaella splendens is a red algae commonly known as rainbow seaweed. It is different from the other three algae species mentioned in the incorrect answers.

Melanosiphon intestinalis is a type of filamentous green algae commonly found in freshwater environments. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a single-celled green algae found in soil and freshwater. Spirogyra is a filamentous green algae commonly found in freshwater habitats. Ulva lactuca is a type of green algae known as sea lettuce found in marine environments.

Neurocystis luetkeana, also known as the Pacific kelp, is a species of brown algae that can be found in coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest. It is characterized by its bulbous pneumatocysts that help keep it afloat near the surface of the water.

Pelvetiopsis limitata is a type of algae known for its distinctive features compared to the other listed options

Petalonia fascia is a distinct species of brown algae, commonly found in intertidal zones. Fucus vesiculosus is a type of brown algae known as bladder wrack. Ulva lactuca is a species of green algae commonly referred to as sea lettuce. Chondrus crispus is a type of red algae also known as Irish moss.

Petrocelis is a type of red algae found in marine environments. Fucus is a brown algae, Ulva is a green algae, and Spirogyra is a green filamentous algae.

Polyneura latissima is a type of brown algae commonly found in intertidal zones. Fucus vesiculosus is a type of brown seaweed, Gloeotrichia echinulata is a type of cyanobacteria, and Ulva lactuca is a type of green algae.

Polysiphonia is a genus of red algae known for its characteristic branching pattern. It is not classified as green, brown, or blue-green algae.

Porphyra fallax is a species of red algae, known for its thin, delicate, reddish-purple blades. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine, particularly in sushi rolls.

Prasiola meridionalis is a specific type of green algae known for its distinctive bright green color and flat leaf-like appearance. Fucus vesiculosus, Ulva lactuca, and Sargassum natans are commonly found algae but not the same as Prasiola meridionalis.

Pterosiphonia bipinnata is a distinct species of red algae known for its unique morphology.

Ralfsia is a genus of brown algae commonly found in intertidal zones. Fucus, Ulva, and Sargassum are also types of algae, but they belong to different genera.

Saccharina latissima is a type of kelp, not Spirulina or Chlorella.

Saccharina sessilis is the correct scientific name for this algae, while the other options are different species of algae commonly found in marine environments.

Sargassum muticulum is a type of brown algae known for forming vast floating mats in the Sargasso Sea.

Scytosiphon lomentaria is a brown alga commonly known as the bean nori. It can be distinguished from other algae species such as Fucus vesiculosus (a type of brown seaweed), Ulva lactuca (commonly known as sea lettuce), and Gracilaria verrucosa (a red seaweed).

Sparlingia pertusa is a specific species of algae known for its unique characteristics and habitat. The other options provided are not variations of Sparlingia pertusa.