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These animals are also plants … wait, what? - Luka Seamus Wright

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TEDEd Animation

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The species of slug known as Elysia chlorotica may not look like much— it resembles a bright green leaf— but it’s one of the most extraordinary creatures on our planet. Living in marshes along the coast of North America, it can go about a year without eating. During that time, it lives like a plant. How is this possible? Luka Seamus Wright digs into the incredible adaptations of these mixotrophs.

The ability to steal chloroplasts is called kleptoplasty. Roughly how many sacoglossan slug species perform kleptoplasty?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Luka Seamus Wright
  • Director Denis Chapon, The Animation Workshop
  • Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
  • Composer Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio
  • Sound Designer Amanda P.H. Bennett, cAMP Studio
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Producer Anna Bechtol, The Animation Workshop
  • Associate Producer Sazia Afrin
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor Charles Wallace

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