Intraspecific variability: an important consideration in forming generalisations about toxigenic algal species

Intraspecific variability (strain differences) in key characteristics such as life-history traits, behaviour, nutrition, genetics and toxicity, has been experimentally documented for many toxigenic microalgae, including species of cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates, haptophytes, raphidophytes and diatoms. This paper summarises findings from published studies on intraspecific variability in toxicity. The data show that different, often opposite,...