Question

exam lesson name: introduction to oceanography
exam number: 700793rr
exam guidelines
exam instructions
question 11 of 20 :
select the best answer for the question

1. what type of organism secretes calcium carbonate plates that overlap to form a spherical test?

a. dinoflagellates
b. diatoms
c. coccolithophores
d. decomposers
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Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Dinoflagellates are typically known for their flagella and different cellular structures, not for secreting calcium carbonate plates to form a spherical test.
• Option B: Diatoms have silica-based cell walls (frustules), not calcium carbonate plates.
• Option C: Coccolithophores are single - celled algae that secrete calcium carbonate plates (coccoliths) which overlap to form a spherical test (coccosphere).
• Option D: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic matter, and they don't secrete calcium carbonate plates to form a spherical test.

Answer:

C. Coccolithophores