Scientists have found crustaceans that "pollinate" algae like bees

The study was led by PhD student Emma Laveau of the French Sorbonne University and geneticist Miriam

Valero from CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research).

The researchers studied the species of red algae - Gracilaria gracilis, as well as small crustaceans - idoteas, in particular, Idotea balthica.

Previously, it was believed that algae, which scientificallyviewpoints are neither plant nor animal, they use underwater currents to transport their reproductive cells (gametes) from one algae to another.

Since the male gametes of algae lack spermatozoon-like flagella, they cannot swim through water on their own.

But the researchers found that this processpromoted by crustaceans. When crustaceans feed on male algae - G. gracilis, then spermatozoa (male gametes) covered with sticky mucus stick to the cuticle of animals.

Photo: Sebastien Colin

When the same crustaceans swim with femalesalgae, then transfer part of the spermatozoa to its reproductive organ. This completes the fertilization process. Crustaceans also benefit from such a deal - they hide in algae from the weather, and also feed on the small organisms that live in them.

The data obtained indicate that the pollination of plants may have occurred as a result of a process that originated in the sea.

Read more:

Scientists filmed a strange creature with tentacles, which they mistook for a flower

The supersonic plane will fly at a speed of 2,000 km/h and cross the ocean in 3.5 hours

Created a quantum computer that "went beyond the binary system"