The correct answer is A. Chamydomonas nivalis.
Chlamydomonas nivalis is a species of green algae that is commonly known as snow algae. It is a unicellular organism that can live in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Chlamydomonas nivalis is a photosynthetic organism, meaning that it uses sunlight to produce its own food. It is also a motile organism, meaning that it can move around on its own.
Chlamydomonas nivalis is often found in snow and ice. It is able to survive in these cold environments because it produces a red pigment called astaxanthin. Astaxanthin protects Chlamydomonas nivalis from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Chlamydomonas nivalis is not harmful to humans. However, it can cause red snow, which can be unsightly. Red snow is also a sign of environmental pollution. Chlamydomonas nivalis can grow in polluted snow because it is able to absorb pollutants from the air.
The other options are incorrect because they are not species of algae that can cause red snow.
- B. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a species of green algae that is commonly used in research. It is not known to cause red snow.
- C. Chlamydomonas debaryanum is a species of green algae that is found in soil and water. It is not known to cause red snow.
- D. Chalmydomonas media is a species of green algae that is found in freshwater. It is not known to cause red snow.