Water Fleas: Look Weird, Adapt Weirder

Water fleas, or cladocerans, are small crustaceans with over 600 species. They have unique physical features like a compound eye and specialized appendages for feeding and swimming. Found in lakes and aquariums, they use hemoglobin to transport oxygen, turning red when oxygen is low. Water fleas are filter feeders, and their diet affects their coloration. They avoid predators through diel vertical migration and chemical signals. Reproduction is primarily asexual, but environmental cues can trigger sexual reproduction. Despite their size, water fleas adapt well to environmental changes, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.

What new insight or understanding did you gain from this video?