Publications by authors named "Grace A Casarez"
Article Synopsis
- Acquired photosynthesis allows heterotrophic organisms to become autotrophs by retaining eukaryotic chloroplasts, giving insights into evolutionary processes.
- Using an eco-evolutionary model, researchers study conditions that favor chloroplast retention, focusing on kleptoplastidic lineages that acquire chloroplasts from their prey.
- The analysis suggests that variations in light availability and digestive efficiency influence the evolution of strategies from phagotrophy (eating other organisms) to phototrophy (using light for energy), with strong trade-offs potentially leading to obligate kleptoplasty as a final evolutionary stage.
