The sea slug Elysia chorotica has no nematocysts or dinoflagellates but, rather, has "naked" chloroplasts in its skin. The chloroplasts are all that remain of the seaweed (Vaucheria sp.) that Elysia feeds upon. The chloroplasts are transferred to the skin; consequently, this slug is green. It spends most of its time basking in shallow water on the surface of seaweeds. How should we expect its chloroplasts to benefit the Elysia sea slug?
A) provide Elysia with fixed nitrogen
B) provide Elysia with fixed carbon dioxide
C) provide Elysia with fixed oxygen
D) provide Elysia with a bright colour that warns away potential predators

Question

The sea slug Elysia chorotica has no nematocysts or dinoflagellates but, rather, has "naked" chloroplasts in its skin. The chloroplasts are all that remain of the seaweed (Vaucheria sp.) that Elysia feeds upon. The chloroplasts are transferred to the skin; consequently, this slug is green. It spends most of its time basking in shallow water on the surface of seaweeds. How should we expect its chloroplasts to benefit the Elysia sea slug?
A) provide Elysia with fixed nitrogen
B) provide Elysia with fixed carbon dioxide
C) provide Elysia with fixed oxygen
D) provide Elysia with a bright colour that warns away potential predators

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The chloroplasts will provide fixed carbon dioxide to the Elysia sea slug through photosynthesis, which will benefit its metabolism and overall survival.

The Sea Slug Elysia Chorotica Has No Nematocysts or Dinoflagellates