When Algae Learned to Hunt

The video explores how marine algae, initially autotrophs, adapted to the post-asteroid impact environment 66 million years ago. With sunlight blocked, some algae evolved into heterotrophs, becoming predatory and mobile. This adaptation is evidenced by fossil records showing structures like flagella. Despite these changes, many algae retained photosynthetic abilities, becoming mixotrophs. This dual capability challenges the binary classification of organisms as either autotrophs or heterotrophs, highlighting the complexity of natural ecosystems.

What evidence do researchers have that marine algae became more mobile after the extinction event?

What term is used to describe algae that can both hunt and photosynthesize?