They are one of few animals that are capable of kleptoplasty, meaning when they eat algae they actually make sure the algae’s chloroplasts keep being fully functional, allowing those cute little slugs to actually conduct photosynthesis. As a result, they evolved to look a lot like tree leaves! They are flatter than related slug species to have a bigger surface area and stick to shallow waters so the light can reach them.
I always thought a little slug casually mimicking symbiogenesis, the origin of eukaryotic life, was amazing. But the fact that they end up looking like little underwater leaves because they face similar evolutionary pressure as trees despite being completely different is so cool haha
My favorite underwater animal is Elysia viridis.
CW: image of a cute slug
They are one of few animals that are capable of kleptoplasty, meaning when they eat algae they actually make sure the algae’s chloroplasts keep being fully functional, allowing those cute little slugs to actually conduct photosynthesis. As a result, they evolved to look a lot like tree leaves! They are flatter than related slug species to have a bigger surface area and stick to shallow waters so the light can reach them.
I always thought a little slug casually mimicking symbiogenesis, the origin of eukaryotic life, was amazing. But the fact that they end up looking like little underwater leaves because they face similar evolutionary pressure as trees despite being completely different is so cool haha
That’s a really good one*, you are more than right to pick it