[breathinginbiology]

The Elysia chlorotica, more commonly known as the Eastern Emerald Elysia, is a species of green sea slug that is found along the east coast of the United States. The juvenile sea slugs feed on intertidal algae but instead of digesting the entire cell contents, it retains only the algal chloroplasts by storing them in their extensive digestive system. Over time, these chloroplasts are incorporated into the slug’s cells and the slug is able to undergo photosynthesis as a means of obtaining energy.