PLEASE HELP <3 Karenia brevis is a single-celled organism found in the Gulf of Mexico. In small amounts, K. brevis is a normal part of the ecosystem. However, sometimes their population blooms to a high number. This results in a harmful algal bloom (HAB) commonly known as red tide because of its pinkish red color in the water. Today, with the help of satellite data, advance warnings can be given before the HAB arrives on shore.

Figure 1

Karenia brevis, a microscopic algae

Figure 2

Due to the high chlorophyll concentration and low reflectivity of K. brevis, it is possible to detect large masses of it by satellite.

Reference Figures 1 & 2 to answer the following question:
a. Identify the highest concentration of K. brevis along the western coastline.

b. The rare but dangerous bacteria Vibrio vulnificus lives in warm, salty marine water. It is naturally occurring in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, especially in the hot summer months. Filter-feeding shellfish, like oysters and clams, accumulate the bacteria in their tissues. Explain how bioaccumulation of V. vulnificus in oysters and clams can affect higher trophic levels.

c. In human populations, infection of V. vulnificus is rare but potentially deadly, with an average of 35 deaths per year. Infected scrapes or wounds quickly begin to show lesions, which is why it is known as a flesh-eating bacterium. Calculate the number of deaths due to V. vulnificus in the last decade.