Biomineralising polychaetes
Okay kiddo, do you remember seeing those little worms in the ocean that wiggle around a lot? Those worms are called polychaetes. Some polychaetes have a superpower called biomineralization. Biomineralization is when these worms can use the minerals in the water around them to make their own hard shells or tubes that they can live in.
Think of building blocks like Legos. Biomineralizing polychaetes can take the Legos that are floating in the ocean - minerals like calcium carbonate and silica - and build themselves a cool new home. They can use these minerals to make their own hard structures like shells, tubes or even spikes, which can protect them from predators and the environment.
Some biomineralizing polychaetes can even change the shape and texture of their shells or tubes as they grow. It's like they can build a bigger and better house to live in as they get older. It's a pretty amazing feat for a tiny little worm to be able to do something like that, isn't it?
Think of building blocks like Legos. Biomineralizing polychaetes can take the Legos that are floating in the ocean - minerals like calcium carbonate and silica - and build themselves a cool new home. They can use these minerals to make their own hard structures like shells, tubes or even spikes, which can protect them from predators and the environment.
Some biomineralizing polychaetes can even change the shape and texture of their shells or tubes as they grow. It's like they can build a bigger and better house to live in as they get older. It's a pretty amazing feat for a tiny little worm to be able to do something like that, isn't it?