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Like bees of the sea, crustaceans ‘pollinate’ seaweed

Animal-driven fertilization may have emerged in the ocean long before it did on land

A small crustacean, Idotea balthica, that looks like a small clawless lobster, climbs along a stalk of red algae

An isopod crustacean (Idotea balthica) climbs along a stalk of red algae (Gracilaria gracilis). The organisms’ relationship is strikingly similar to that of a bee and flowering plant, a new study finds.

© Wilfried Thomas/Station Biologique de Roscoff/CNRS, SU

By Jake Buehler

- More than 2 years ago

When it comes to reproduction, one type of red algae gets by with a little help from its friends: small sea crustaceans that transport sex cells between male and female algae, like pollen-laden bees buzzing between flowers.