Chapter 21, Problem 23WIO

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The reason that a sessile or slow moving animals such as sponges, sea cucumber and tunicates, might opt for bright colors and an arsenal of toxic chemicals.

Concept Introduction:

Sessile or slow moving animals are those which show very less movement and attached to a substrate. Sponges, sea cucumber and tunicates are sessile organism; they are permanently attached to a surface in water. All these animals show bright colors and contain toxic chemicals which protect them from predators. The toxins and bright coloration occur in these animals create defense against predators.