Question

Batrachospermum is found in
A. Marine water
B. Freshwater
C. Tree
D. Arctic zone

Answer 1

Hint: Batrachospermum belongs to Rhodophyta and is commonly found in naturally occurring water that is characterized by low concentration of salts and other dissolved solids. They contain phycobilins similar to those found in the cyanobacteria but in different proportions, leading to a red hue.

Complete answer:
Batrachospermum is a genus of freshwater red algae that belongs to the family Batrachospermum. Their colour ranges from violet to blue-green. But if it is found in shallow water, it is olive green in colour. They have thread-like, long, branched filaments that bear dense whorls of branchlets that resemble beads on a string.

At the base of the female sex organ or carpogonium, spores are formed after fertilization. It shows a wide distribution and can be found in cool streams and pools in sphagnum bogs. Its thallus is attached to the substratum. The main axis consists of a row of elongated cylindrical cells and it is differentiated into nodes and internodes. They are found in light and poor nutrient running and stagnant waters. They are important constituents of the river ecosystems.

Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note: Batrachospermum is commonly found in shaded areas of reservoirs containing freshwater. They do not live in water that is exposed to more light. It lives in cold water that has a high amount of organic materials. They are the generalists of the red algae that have adapted themselves to the freshwater habitat. They are ecologically important as primary producers.