Plant and protoctist kingdoms: Practice Questions

Which of these marine organisms is correctly matched to its biological kingdom according to their characteristic features?

Kelp is a macroalga that belongs to the protoctist kingdom. Which specific structure functions primarily to anchor the kelp to the substrate, such as a rock on the seabed?

An unknown microscopic, single-celled marine organism is found to possess chloroplasts for photosynthesis and a rigid skeleton composed of silica. Based on these features, how should this organism be classified?

Dinoflagellates are microscopic, single-celled organisms in the protoctist kingdom. Which feature must they possess to carry out photosynthesis?

Both diatoms and dinoflagellates are microscopic, single-celled protoctists found in marine environments. Which characteristic is a distinguishing feature of dinoflagellates that is not typically found in diatoms?

State one main feature of a dinoflagellate that enables its movement.

Kelp is a large macroalga that plays a vital role in coastal ecosystems.
(a) Identify the specific structures of kelp used for photosynthesis and for anchoring the organism to a rocky substrate.
(b) State the function of gas bladders in kelp and name the kingdom to which kelp belongs.

Marine primary producers are classified into different kingdoms based on their cellular and physical characteristics.
(a) Describe two functions of the roots in seagrasses that distinguish them from the holdfast found in kelp.
(b) Some species of kelp possess gas bladders. Explain how these structures help the kelp to maximize its rate of photosynthesis.
(c) Diatoms and dinoflagellates are both microscopic producers in the protoctist kingdom. State one structural feature of a diatom and one structural feature of a dinoflagellate that could be used to distinguish between them.