Animalul care „mănâncă” lumină: Misterul melcului din adâncuri

Costasiella kuroshimae, known as the sea sheep, is a tiny sea slug that partially photosynthesizes using chloroplasts from algae. This unique process allows it to convert sunlight into energy, playing a crucial role in marine ecosystems. Found in shallow tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, it feeds on algae while retaining chloroplasts for energy production. The sea sheep's green appendages provide camouflage and may offer protection from predators. As hermaphrodites, they require partners for reproduction, laying spiral-shaped eggs on algae. Their study aids scientists in understanding symbiosis and energy utilization in life forms.