The mint sauce worm, often found along the the Atlantic coast, is being studied for its impressive ability to mimic plant life by absorbing the sun's rays to use as energy, as well as an array of other unique traits, according to the Daily Mail.
Utilizing the algae in their bodies, the mint sauce worm, or Symsagittifera roscoffensis, use its own form of photosynthesis, successfully blurring the line between plant and animal. Researchers have eyed this creature and labeled it a model organism for its ability to live off only the sun's energy. It's even gotten a nod for its possible clues for stem cell regeneration, according to Phys.
They are also being observed for the peculiar way they communicate with one another. Professor Nigel Franks with the University of Bristol believes they have a "self organizing" social behavior, meaning that they tend to consult with one another in order to make movements as a group.
"Our study suggests this remarkable organism also seems to be an ideal model for understanding how individual behaviours can lead, through collective movement, to social assemblages," said Franks.
Nigel revealed through his research that the social structure of the animal-plants is to increase their sense of security.
The study is published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B
