As many hobbyists know, sea slugs of the genus Elysia ingest chloroplasts from algae they feed upon and store them in their bodies for additional energy. However, a new sea slug, Elysia chlorotica has been discovered that makes its own chloroplasts, just like a plant or algae would, from genes that it takes from its food!
Unlike coral and zooxanthellae, or other sea slugs, this little guy is a hybrid of plant and animal, creating their own clorophyll pigment after acquiring the genes from the algae it feeds upon. "This is the first known case of genes being swapped among multicellular Kingdoms" says Dr. John Zardus of the Citadel. Too cool.
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What are some general facts about sea animals? It is for a 1st grade report and she needs some ideas. Thanks.
Posted by: A mom | 04/27/2010 at 11:11 PM