The sea slug Pteraeolidia ianthina can harbor living dinoflagellates (photosynthetic protists) in its skin. These endosymbiotic dinoflagellates reproduce quickly enough to maintain their populations. Low populations do not affect the sea slugs very much, but high populations (>5) 105 cells / \mathrm{mg} of sea slug protein) can promote sea slug survival. Percent of sea slug respiratory carbon demand provided by indwelling dinoflagellates.
If the dinoflagellate-containing sea slug P . ianthina preys on coral animals, then it would be most surprising to find that .
A. P . ianthina can tolerate the toxin in the nematocysts of its prey B. P . ianthina can locate its coral prey by chemicals released into the water by corals C. the coral prey harbor dinoflagellates in their tissues D. the coral prey transform themselves into medusas to flee from approaching P . Ianthina

Respuesta :

The correct option is (D)  The coral prey transform themselves into medusas to flee from approaching P. Ianthina.

What is the nature of the symbiotic link between coral and dinoflagellates?

  • Symbioses are common in nature and can range from mutualism to parasitism.
  • Coral-dinoflagellate symbioses are characterized as mutualistic since the exchange of nutrients benefits both parties. The development and creation of coral reefs are supported by this productive interaction.
  • By substituting its old secondary plastid of red algal origin with another alga that already had a secondary plastid of red algal origin, the dinoflagellate underwent what has been referred to as tertiary endosymbiosis.

What does the symbiotic relationship between coral and dinoflagellates look like?

  • Common symbioses in nature include parasitism and mutualism.
  • Coral-dinoflagellate symbioses are referred to as mutualistic since both sides gain from the exchange of nutrients. This beneficial interaction promotes the growth and formation of coral reefs.
  • The dinoflagellate conducted tertiary endosymbiosis by exchanging its former secondary plastid of red algal origin with another alga that already had a secondary plastid of red algal origin.

Learn more about the Dinoflagellates with the help of the given link:

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