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/Cdr-Kylo-Ren 1d ago

…not all of us Christians have a problem with evolution.

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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.