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#photosynthesis

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Elysia viridis, also known as the sap-sucking slug or emerald elysia is known for its ability to perform #photosynthesis. They have the ability to suck the cytoplasm out of the algae they prey upon,the ability to perform photosynthesis makes it essentially a "solar-powered" organism. Found in shallow waters it is common in British Isles. The stolen chloroplasts, called kleptoplasts, continue to perform photosynthesis, providing the slug with energy and allowing it to survive without additional food, especially when light is available.
Picture: Pierrecorban/ Inaturalist
#weird #animals #nature

Forest #biodiversity plays a critical role in sustaining #ecosystem functioning and buffering the effects of increased extreme weather events on forests.

A global assessment of the relationship between biodiversity and #photosynthesis in natural #forest ecosystems indicates that #species richness and photosynthesis were often positively correlated at the global scale, with stronger relationships in tropical forests but weaker associations in high-latitude regions.

Higher light capture by increasing the complexity of community structure was the basis of this increase in forest photosynthesis.

#biology #ecology
nature.com/articles/s41477-025

NatureGlobal evidence for a positive relationship between tree species richness and ecosystem photosynthesis - Nature PlantsForests with higher tree species richness show greater photosynthesis by capturing more sunlight, highlighting the essential role of biodiversity in enhancing carbon uptake and supporting the global carbon sink.

Plants may stop absorbing carbon if temperatures continue to rise

By Sanjana Gajbhiye, February 19, 2025

Excerpt: " 'Our research suggests that photosynthesis starts to break down between 40 and 51°C,' (104 and 123°F) said Dr. Michaletz. 'During the 2021 heat dome, temperatures soared to 49.6°C, pushing plants to their limits.' "

Read more:
earth.com/news/plants-may-stop

#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #ExtremeHeat #GlobalHeating #Photosynthesis #ELE?

Earth.comPlants may stop absorbing carbon if temperatures continue to riseRising temperatures make plants lose more water, weakening their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and survive heat stress.

magic trick –
stored energy from our star
conjured from thin air

| sap


* Call me a geek, but it blows my mind that plants can store solar energy using an ancient (I mean REALLY ancient) set of processes that includes assembling carbon from the air...magic, indeed. And my neighbor boils down some of that stored energy to make the stuff I put on my pancakes.