on plankton, and in turn, are consumed by various marine species, including fish and seabirds.
Their strandings, while extensive, do not negatively impact the environment. In fact, they provide a temporary food source for scavengers on the beach. It’s a cycle that contributes to the biodiversity and health of marine ecosystems.
9. The Strange Life Cycle Of These Drifting Colonies
Velella velella have a unique lifecycle that involves both asexual and sexual reproduction. The colonies we see on the ocean surface are the result of asexual budding from a single