What are some examples of photosynthetic animals and where are they commonly found?

Photosynthetic animals, also known as mixotrophs or photoheterotrophs, are organisms that are capable of both photosynthesis and heterotrophic nutrition. This means that they can produce their own food through photosynthesis, but they can also obtain nutrients by consuming other organisms.

Some examples of photosynthetic animals include:

1. Sea slugs: Sea slugs are marine animals that are capable of photosynthesis due to the presence of chloroplasts within their cells. They can feed on algae, but they can also produce their own food through photosynthesis.
2. Salamanders: Some species of salamanders have been found to contain symbiotic algae within their cells, which allows them to carry out photosynthesis. This is particularly useful for salamanders that live in areas with low food availability.
3. Corals: Corals are marine animals that have a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae. The algae live inside the coral cells and provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis.
4. Flatworms: Some species of flatworms have been found to contain photosynthetic algae within their bodies. This allows them to produce their own food through photosynthesis, as well as consume other organisms for additional nutrients.

Photosynthetic animals can be found in a variety of environments, but they are most commonly found in aquatic ecosystems, such as oceans, lakes, and rivers. They are also found in some terrestrial environments, such as soil and leaf litter.