TED Talks Daily The fantastically weird world of photosynthetic sea slugs | Michael Middlebrooks
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Mar 6, 2023 
Meet Michael Middlebrooks, an invertebrate zoologist who studies the astonishingly adaptable sea slugs that can photosynthesize like plants. He delves into their unique biology and the fascinating symbiotic relationships with algae that allow these colorful creatures to harness sunlight. Middlebrooks discusses the incredible diversity among mollusks, focusing on the evolutionary journey of nudibranchs and saccoglossus, revealing the secrets behind these remarkable solar-powered invertebrates.
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Source of Biological Energy
- Most biological energy originates from the sun through photosynthesis.
- Animals typically obtain this energy by consuming plants or other plant-eating animals.
Photosynthetic Animals
- Some animals, like corals, have evolved to photosynthesize directly.
- They achieve this through symbiosis with algae called zooxanthellae.
Upside-Down Jellyfish
- Michael Middlebrooks uses upside-down jellyfish in his teaching.
- He doesn't need to feed them; light from an aquarium lamp sustains them.