19/12/2017 Diverse, Formidling, Julekalender, Marinbiologi Daan Mes, Oreosoma atlanticum, Oreosomatidae, ox-eyed oreo, Oxeye Oreodory Ingen
A lot of marine creatures suffer from the ugly duckling syndrome. In their childhood, most crabs and shrimp resemble creatures from an Alien vs. Predator movie and even the most beautiful marine snails are born as amorphous clumps with what appear to be oversized hairy ears sticking out. Today’s Julekalender species tells the story of a reverse ugly duckling with a cute name: the ox-eyed oreo (Oreosoma atlanticum).
Young, sparkly and pretty. Photo by Corna Smith – shared by Ocean Defenders Hawaii
19/12/2016 Diverse, Evolusjon, Fysiologi, Julekalender, Marinbiologi Daan Mes, Elysia chlorotica, Elysia viridis, kleptoplast, kloroplast, silkesnegl, Vaucheria litorea Ingen
Imagine having the choice of filling your stomach by eating a Kvikk lunsj or by simply soaking up some sun rays. Behind todays julekalenderluke is someone who can do just that!
Our new friend looks like a leaf and functions like one, too: it can turn sunlight into sugars and feed itself! Photo courtesy of Patrick Krug