Question

Which of the following statements regarding marine organisms is/are NOT true?

• A. Foraminifera are multicellular marine organisms
• B. Sponges form their spicules with silica
• C. Coccolithophores are sea-surface dwelling organisms
• D. Species diversity of benthic foraminifera is less than that of planktonic foraminifera

Hint:

Foraminifera are unicellular organisms, and benthic foraminifera tend to have less species diversity compared to planktonic foraminifera due to environmental factors.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, D

Analyzing the statements:

❌ Option (A): Foraminifera are not multicellular organisms; they are single-celled protists with shells (tests). So, this statement is not true.

✅ Option (B): Sponges, especially siliceous sponges, do produce their skeletal elements (spicules) using silica. This statement is true.

✅ Option (C): Coccolithophores are planktonic algae that inhabit the sunlit upper layers of the ocean, making them sea-surface dwellers. This statement is true.

❌ Option (D): In fact, benthic foraminifera exhibit greater species diversity compared to planktonic foraminifera. Thus, this statement is not true.

Conclusion:
The incorrect statements are Option (A) and Option (D).