The Elysia
Chlorotica (common name the eastern emerald elysia) is sea
slug is not like most sea slugs. Researchers refer to this animal as
being "solar-powered," since it undergoes several plant-like processes
and resembles a leaf! This creature has chloroplasts that let him to
convert sunlight into energy, so yes, it undergoes photosynthesis. The Elysia
Chlorotica sea slug, distinct some of the more exotic animals we see here on
Greenamajigger, can be found close to home! By close, it means the east
coast of the United States. It lives in a subcellular endosymbiotic
relationship with chloroplasts of the marine heterokont alga Vaucheria litorea.
It is feeding on algae; this amazing animal has a weird way of
sustaining life. Because it needs to eat plants to maintain its
existence, but the only thing that it takes from what it eats are chloroplasts,
which help it undergo photosynthesis more easily! So, is the elysia
chlorotica a plant? Yes. Is it an animal? Yes. Mind Blown!
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