A rare sea slug that can photosynthesize like a plant is the eastern emerald Elysia (Elysia Chlorotica). It may turn sunlight into energy by absorbing chloroplasts from the algae it eats (Vaucheria Litorea). Depending just on sunlight, some species can go up to a year without eating. Because of the stored chloroplasts, it has a green tint that acts as camouflage to keep predators away.
The slug, which may reach a length of 60 mm, lives in shallow water environments including tidal pools and salt marshes. The distinction between plants and animals is blurred by this amazing adaptation, which also provides fresh information on photosynthesis and energy efficiency.
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The slug, which may reach a length of 60 mm, lives in shallow water environments including tidal pools and salt marshes. The distinction between plants and animals is blurred by this amazing adaptation, which also provides fresh information on photosynthesis and energy efficiency.
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