Sea Slug Symbiosis

Sea Slug Symbiosis

Consider this the coevolution of "plant" and animal. What a great example! If I am not mistaken, there are also examples of sea slugs ingesting cnidocytes (stinging cells) from cnidarians (jellyfish and anemones) and using their defenses as their own. This is a challenge to you to present as I lack the time currently.

I would be interested to know whether any DNA analysis has been done to suggest that these nudibranchs have inherited algal genes. This could be the basis for the association, recognition of self vs. non-self.

And here is another good site on the topic. I find these animals incredibly fascinating and this is just another reason why- they seem to foster close relationships with algae.