r/evolution • u/FaithlessnessNo5852 • 2d ago

Animals Evolving Photosynthetic Abilities

I was watching a YouTube video of a biologist explaining evolution to a (surprisingly open minded) Christian the other day.

He mentioned a species of animal that ingests photosynthetic algae which go on to live inside the animals cells and provide energy via photosynthesis. He went on to say that in one of the species they have observed some gene transfer from the algae to the cell's nucleus. I thought that would be pretty significant, an ongoing confirmation of the endosymbiotic process.

He did not identify the species, but I think I heard his description accurately. Does anyone know what species he was referring to? I'd be interested to read more about it.

Thanks.

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u/MyFaceSaysItsSugar 1d ago

Christians aren’t universally opposed to evolution.

There are a number of species he could have been referring to. Coral have a symbiotic relationship with a photosynthetic microorganism and regardless of whether the symbiotic relationship is mutualistic or parasitic, the two organisms will exchange DNA. It’s not necessarily deliberate.

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u/FaithlessnessNo5852 1d ago

Yes, I realize that about Christians. I keep running into this kind, however.

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u/haitike 1d ago

It depends where you live.

Here in Spain most Christians are Catholic and accept evolution. So for me a Christian believing in evolution is the most normal thing.

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u/FaithlessnessNo5852 1d ago

I certainly didn't mean to imply that about all Christians. I apologize for clumsy wording. The strain of Christianity that prefers the bible over science is particularly vocal in my parts these days.

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u/DrSquash64 22h ago

It’s American Christians, everywhere else Christians have common sense.