SciShow: Photosynthesizing Animals

Introduction

• Host: Hank Green
• Main Topic: Some animals have been discovered to harness sunlight for energy, similar to plants.
• Key Term: Autotrophs - organisms that can produce their own food using light, water, carbon dioxide, or other chemicals.

Eastern Emerald Alicia (Sea Slug)

• Location: East coast of the United States
• Appearance: Resembles a big floating leaf
• Diet: Consumes yellow-green algae
• Unique Ability:
  • Absorbs algae's chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
  • Uses algae's genes to produce necessary proteins for photosynthesis.
  • Transfers algal genes to offspring, reducing the need for food to only two weeks a year.

Pea Aphid

• Appearance: Can be white, orange, or green depending on environmental conditions at birth.
• Unique Traits:
  • Capable of synthesizing their own carotenoids, unlike most animals.
  • Carotenoids aid in absorbing light and protecting chlorophyll.
  • Some aphids can use sunlight to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
  • Green aphids produce more ATP than white, and orange aphids produce more ATP when exposed to sunlight.

Spotted Salamander

• Location: Eastern United States and Canada
• Unique Characteristic:
  • First known photosynthetic vertebrate.
  • Contains chlorophyll-containing algae in its cells.
  • Algae likely enters embryos early in development, with a symbiotic relationship forming.
  • The algae and salamander coexist without immune rejection.

Conclusion

• Significance: Demonstrates exceptions to the previously assumed rule that only plants can photosynthesize.
• Speculation: Raises the possibility of other animals, or even humans, eventually harnessing similar capabilities.

Closing Remarks

• Engagement: Invites viewers to engage on social media or comment sections.
• Call to Action: Encourages viewers to subscribe to SciShow's YouTube channel for more content.